Ikea, worlds biggest furniture seller, opend its first shop in Bejing, China, as "Die Zeit" reports (in german). By doing this, the swedish francisor not only exports western furniture-concepts but represents western lifestyle in Asia. The article tells entertaining anecdotes on how the chinese people and IKEA management cope with unforseen cultural challanges. What do you think about commercial spread of cultur? Adoption, integration, assimilation or replacment of the local? My personal feelings range from enthusiasm about the global village to deep concern about the decay of local traditions... what would a ethnologist answer?

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