Cross-Cultural Conversations

Observations by a Malaysian studying in Australia

Made in Sweden

I accompanied my mum to the spanking new Ikea, which, in accordance with the Malaysian obsession at breaking records, is the largest in Asia.

The good looking furniture designs notwithstanding, the thing I really like about Ikea is how they subtly promote everything Swedish in their stores, from the very apparent blue-and-yellow-coloured EVERYTHINGS (the corporate logo, the shopping bag, the sign arrows), the Swedish-named furnitures and of course, Swedish meatballs (and the mini Swedish flag poked on top of the meatballs), without overwhelming us as if we’re trapped in a sort of right-wing display of nationalistic Swedish pride.

At home and deciding where to place what must be our 100th Ikea-bought item, I realised our house could very well be one of the display homes at Ikea’s store.

posted by: Tembaga2 at 17:32 | link | comments (1) |

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#1  03 October 2003 - 12:23

 

Nora here, again. My Design Fundamental lecturer designed some stuff for Ikea and now his office room is fully furnished by Ikea on sponsorship. His room is the BOMB! Haha, it must have been the most "happening" one on campus *lol*

Anonymous

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