LOL - "The Swedes, Through Ikea Are Making Fun Of Us"

[matcom]

<snip>

BY PAIGE WISER SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

Like most Americans, I go to Ikea for the escalators. As you descend from the cafeteria into housewares, your shopping cart descends with you -- on a separate but equal escalator next to you. It's a thrill to see your merchandise transported proudly, out in the Schaumburg open-air store, and not just shunted off to a cramped, anonymous elevator.

And it's a treat, I like to think, for the carts.

But Ikea also sells many reasonably priced products, about which I have no complaint. I bought an entire four-piece, faux-teak lawn furniture set for $100, and it hasn't buckled under me yet.

I, myself, assembled a two-drawer storage unit that now holds burp cloths and Desitin. More than one person has commented on its charm.

Ikea would be perfect, really, if it weren't for that nagging feeling: That maybe -- just maybe -- the Swedes are making fun of us.

It's the product names. They can't be for real.

If you think ordering a J. Crew sweater in the color "yam" is embarrassing, try requesting Ikea's "Jerker" desk in large.

The "Billy" shelving system isn't so bad, but the "Fartfull" workbench and the "Beslut" chair are pushing it.

It's almost as though the names are meant to sound Swedish, without actually meaning anything. Their only purpose is to sound exotic. Imported. "Svinga." "Malm." "Muck." "Slabang." "Nipper." "Ingolf." "Herman." The "Lessebo" sofa?

more-------> http://www.suntimes.com/output/wiser/cst-ftr-paige17.html

[JuniorPlankton]

1. LOL n/t

[GOPisEvil]

2. Yeah, but what about the "Billy" line of furniture?

I'm still trying to figure out how that happened.

SWEADS?!?!? WTF is a SWEAD? :P

[matcom]

3. ahem

:wtf: are you talking about?

[GOPisEvil]

4. I liked it better when we couldn't edit subject lines!

x(

:P

[matcom]

5. heh

typing while boss is talking is NEVER a good combo :D

[GOPisEvil]

6. Ouch.

I have to step away from the computer when I talk to the boss. I need a clear head to think up my next line of BS. :D

[tridim]

7. Everyone makes fun of Ikea

but honestly it's the only thing I miss about living in NYC. I got some really good, cheap furniture at the New Jersey store. Of course it's not "fine" furniture, but if you shop smart it's very sturdy and very functional. I love the simplicity of my Ikea computer desk. It's just a large faux wood laminate slab on modular metal feet. I think it cost about $40. Best desk ever!

[Kellanved]

8. You Americans are paranoid

IKEA uses the same names everywhere, and the US is by far not their most important market. :P

A shame that the article explains the system, even if it misses many aspects.

[name not needed]

9. I wonder how much a large Jerker costs

:D

[JVS]

10. Your hippo is disturbing me

[NewJeffCT]

11. we just bought some Billy bookcases

I'm one of the least handy people I know, and I still managed to put them together. They seem pretty sturdy - much better than the crap bookcase we bought from staples that we had to assemble.