'Husband Storage' opens in Shanghai shopping mall

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Shopping may be joyful for women, but terrible for many men. To satisfy both male and female customers, Shanghai Global Harbor Mall has begun offering “Husband Storage” cubicles.

The actual Chinese name of these cubicles is “Deng Ni Ba” in Mandarin, which literally means “Waiting For You”. By naming it this way, its manufacturer seems to be encouraging husbands to spend time inside while waiting for their wives.

Interior of the "Husband Storage" cubicle /Photo from VCG

The glass cubicle is equipped with a game chair, a screen, a computer and game pad. It only costs 20 yuan (3 US dollars) for half an hour and 30 yuan (4 US dollars) for an hour. Even though some popular games such as King of Glory are not included, users still have nearly 680 choices.

Mall staff say wives can fully enjoy their time in the mall without worrying about their husbands getting bored.

Photo from VCG

However, this idea has sparked a heated debate. Some thinks it’s brilliant, since both the wife and her husband can have fun without interfering with each other during the shopping. However, others hold a different opinion: that the husband’s companionship is very important for the shopping experience.

Photo from VCG

The name “Husband Storage” went viral on the Internet after it was reported by western media outlet BBC News.

“Take it to the next step, recliners, huge flat screens, football and beer,” commented @jesse_hosey.

At the same time, some women also express their interest in this facility.

“My husband would be a first one here to leave his wife in this pod and i would happily sit and enjoy,” commented by @Saadiakj

The manufacturer of the cubicle is reportedly planning to put more advanced ones in other malls in Shanghai soon.

Photo from China.com.cn

This is not the first time China has seen self-entertainment facilities in a mall. “Mini K”, a self-serve mini karaoke room is another example that won over tons of young Chinese hearts.