Thousands are flocking to the nation's IKEA stores to capitalise on air-con, free coffee, soft beds and... speed dating?
Unlike the Swedish furniture maker's stores in other parts of the world - largely renowned for their endlessly disorientating corridors, warm meatballs and flatpack Billy bookcases - China's IKEA stores have become a popular attraction for entirely different reasons.
Every day, visitors flock to the stores - many having completed their shopping elsewhere - to take advantage of the cool air conditioning, well-constructed beds and free refills of coffee. A recent photo post on China's popular Weibo micro-blogging service, showed pictures of store visitors tucked up asleep, lounging on vast sofas, or reading magazines in luxury armchairs.
Employees at a Shanghai IKEA store told the Shanghai Morning Post they often experienced a “rush hour” from 3-6pm, when the store becomes packed with “familiar faces” enjoying the stores homely and conducive atmosphere for hours on end.
Lovebirds have also been seen cavorting in the snug arrangements, forcing embarrassed employees to stop them from canoodling amongst the display beds. In fact, last year's offer from IKEA Shanghai of free refills on a 30 yuan ($4.6) cup coffee, caught the eye of a local matchmaking club. Members capitalised on the refills to occupy seats in the cafeteria for five or six hours while courting.
One Shanghai mother told the Post, “I just want to bring my daughter here to play. Shopping is secondary. Kids want to eat, play and sleep. IKEA can satisfy all these needs.”