Have you ever been put out of your way because someone else is busy taking photos with no regard for those around them just trying to go about their daily business? Now, many shops, once happy for the free publicity, are starting to say no.
It all began towards the end of last month, when IKEA’s lockers started to see closer scrutiny. Why? They make for the perfect photo op. That’s because of the retailer’s iconic blue and white colour scheme. And that the lockers provide for the sense of a university or school campus.
On 25 August, reporters visited IKEA on Caoxi Lu in Xuhui District of Shanghai. There, as in every IKEA store in China, epidemic prevention is the watchword, with all visitors required to show the relevant health codes and wear a mask. And that’s what irked the security guards stationed near the lockers; online celebrities removing their masks to have endless photos taken of themselves.
One guard told reporters that if customers take photos normally, they will not interfere. But if they take off their masks when taking photos, they will stop them, reports Xi’an Huashang Network Media.
Fair enough. But the phenomenon extends across the store. And across the IKEA chain in China. Indeed, IKEA has always been a popular photo op because of its open plan and warm environment, together with its gorgeous colours.
Speaking with reporters yesterday, 5 September, an insider of IKEA said, “Consumers can take photos in IKEA stores to seek more inspiration for their homes, but [they should] please ensure that it does not affect other customers’ normal shopping”.
Here in Nanjing, a plant shop called the “Wizard of Oz” is surrounded by plants of different shapes and colours, including potted plants, moss and wooden fixtures. Also very evident is the sign forbidding the taking of photos in the store.
Nanjing Daily has reported the owner of the shop, surnamed Zhou, explained that the plants are relatively delicate. Some people like to touch and pinch them while taking photos, which can cause damage.
Elsewhere, in southerly Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a local bookstore has been overrun by people coming to take photos. They occupy the customer toilet for long periods to change outfits for their impromptu fashion shoots. Some photographers even spread out all kinds of costumes and props on any available surface in the bookshop at will.
To say customer experience has been affected is an understatement. No wonder the practice is being referred to “uncivilised photo-taking behaviour”.
