IKEA opens free hostel so shoppers never have to leave

Posted Jul 29th 2007 at 5:22PM by Jonathon Morgan (Subscribe to Jonathon Morgan's posts)

Filed under: News

Are you into pseudo-cheap modern furniture created by hip Scandinavians? Then, chances are, you're into Ikea. Those of you lucky enough to live within striking distance of an Ikea location have probably noticed (even if you haven't been inside) that the stores are shockingly enormous. So big, in fact, that I have no idea how a person could make it through the entire place in one day.

That's exactly what they were thinking at the Ikea location in Oslo -- so the company came up with a solution: when closing time comes, let the customers stay overnight, and finish their shopping in the morning.

The sleeping arrangements are mostly dormitory style, with many beds stacked up together. However, there's also a bridal suite (complete with chandelier), a luxury suite (where you get breakfast in bed), and a family room for parents and kids. Everyone gets breakfast in the morning, and it's all absolutely free.

So now you can shop 'till you drop. Sleep. And then shop some more.

[via Boing Boing]

Source

Tags: furniture, home style, HomeStyle, ikea, interior decor, InteriorDecor, shopping

Linda 8-01-2007 @ 8:21PM

Ok thats just plan freaky. Why not just stay open for 24 hrs. then?

Greg 8-01-2007 @ 8:22PM

No, that's just plain stupid. It would seem staying open 24 hours a day would be plenty to keep their shoppers shopping. Who in their right mind would go to a store to shop and stay overnight?

Andrea 8-01-2007 @ 8:48PM

hahahahaha I think its just funny, maybe one day I will go and stay a night. The fact that its free is crazy and a bridal suite? ok they are just way too into it.

lulufroggie75 8-01-2007 @ 8:45PM

Is this suppossed to be the next big thing? I think there will be more homeless people in there, rather than the actual shoppers....way to go IKEA!

r9709 8-01-2007 @ 9:08PM

That's great for Norway. But here in America too many people are armed. I would only stay in an IKEA dormitory if there were metal detectors at the entrance.

ray kemp 8-02-2007 @ 8:53AM

I think this is an awesome idea but in America transients and homeless people would be flocking there. wow what a n idea though free motel w free breakfast and shop shop shop!

ray kemp 8-01-2007 @ 9:14PM

Richard 8-01-2007 @ 9:14PM

Get a grip people its Europe. They do things a little different over there then we do here in our hustle bustle 24 hour Wal-Mart world. I think its a great idea. It makes the shopping into an experience. I have been to an Ikea store and I love them. They even have a very safe and secure child care area for your kids to play in so you can shop and concentrate. I am guessing the first few posters have never been to Europe or an Ikea store based on their vast display of mental prowless with thier brilliant "stay open 24 hour" remarks. I highly doubt there will be a homeless problem either and I am sure that was taken into consideration. Some people are so narrow minded, but thats American wal-mart shoppers for you.

Vivi 8-01-2007 @ 9:27PM

Sorry, that isn't the way I want to spend my leisure time.

carmen yeancades 8-01-2007 @ 9:32PM

love the idea. thinking of booking my honeymoon suite with them.. its like a local bed and breakfast with all the practical accessories right at hand. Run and get me a warm fuzzy blanket dear and a bowl of soup.

robin 8-01-2007 @ 9:35PM

i was thinking the same thing about the homeless people. Hey! maybe i will take my cheap boyfriend. lol. then i kept reading and saw that it was in oslo....... It figures. Anyway , to Richard, blogger #7, take the stick out of your butt and lighten up. It ain't that deep. Jeeeeeeez!!!

Ali 8-01-2007 @ 9:42PM

I think your all ridiculous even caring this much about it ... newsflash: people don't always agree! Granted, i think it's ridiculous but so is thinking that it's a wonderful idea to drop your kids off with a bunch of strangers for the day.While the holy dollar dictates your actions for the next 24 hours, and then have a slumber party with your kids AND the creepy old man that was watching you shop.....

That Idea Rocks 8-01-2007 @ 9:52PM

That idea's great! My parents used to drop me off at Ikea way back when I was small, and nothing ever happened to me. I love the restaurants that they have at Ikea already. And anyway, the Mall of America has pretty much the same thing, and they make a lot of $$ . And since it's free that's even more of a bonus. And to every1 who thinks it's dangerous, why would they award the Nobel Peace Prize in the same city????

Velvetyice 8-02-2007 @ 8:07PM

I think it's not such a great idea. Think of the homeless ppl, who washes all the bedding, and I'd be worried about lice and somebody toting a weapon.

Kay 8-02-2007 @ 8:07AM

I see the point regarding cleanliness and safety, but I will say this: I live a full day's drive from the nearest Ikea, a store I came to love when I lived in NJ. I have considered making a roadtrip to visit one. If I were certain the beds were clean and that I'd be safe, I just might spend the night.

Richard 8-01-2007 @ 10:04PM

Robin, sorry I am too deep for you in knowing what the culture in Europe is like to understand this article unlike the first couple walmart shoppers who made thier posts on here were unable to grasp. Here is your stick back since I am guessing your cheap boyfriend wont buy you another.

desire 8-01-2007 @ 10:28PM

LOL 2 ev1's comments but i seriously wish this would come 2 the US cuz i love 2 shop n think the idea is a lil bit weird but i still would try it out cuz it sounds fun.....

Mary 8-01-2007 @ 10:37PM

I am sorry but I live close to the one in Canton Michigan and all I can say is that they suck big time. They are over priced they are huge and the departments are not organized very well. No you can not make it through everything in one day I went once and I will never ever go back to one again yet alone shop all day and all night. And everything you buy there you have to put together yourself or at a charge have Ikea put it together for you. Nope it sucksssssssssssssssssssssss

Janet 8-01-2007 @ 10:40PM

Probably part of the store promotion would be that the furniture used in the dorm and elsewhere is their own---so they are giving the folks a test run for their money. This is just a guess on my part.
I don't believe this idea would work for any length of time, as inevitably there would be some folks who have no intention of really shopping and are just checking out the place, hanging out, etc.
Best way to get people to shop anywhere is buy keeping the prices affordable, and quality good. For that--dorms not required.

Larry 8-01-2007 @ 10:53PM

To those worrying about weapons, etc., you have obviously never been to Europe. Not gonna happen. And, if it does, God have mercy on the miserable soul of the imbecile who tried it. In Europe, there is no such thing as a right to a speedy trial, protection from unreasonable sentences, etc. Their police can do whatever they bloody well please with you and even "forget" you are in the jail if they so choose. Do a little research before you go off half-cocked, dumbos.

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