Shanghai shopper "Man-Caves" get mixed reviews

Private lounges for men, which recently popped up in a Shanghai shopping mall, have been getting mixed reviews.

A downtown Shanghai shopping mall is offering a range of private lounges, cleverly named “Waiting for You in the Bar.”[Photo: VCG]

The cleverly named ‘Waiting for you in the Bar’ lounges have been designed as a place for female shoppers to ‘park’ their husbands or boyfriends while they get on with the important task of hitting the shops.

The currently free-to-use compartments come complete with computers, TV sets, game pads, and comfortable sofa chairs, reports The Paper.

"Men who accompany their wives or girlfriends can take a rest and kill some time in one of the various lounges. Their partners can then enjoy their shopping in peace," explained a member of the maintenance personnel.

A man playing video games in a private lounge, cleverly named “Waiting for You in the Bar”, in Shanghai. [Photo: VCG]

But opinion is divided over the retail innovation. 

"I appreciate this, because I have to accompany my girlfriend for shopping. But I usually play with my mobile phone while she does it, which always pisses her off. With these recreation compartments, both of us can enjoy our time in the shopping mall,” one user surnamed Yang told The Paper.

Some feel, there’s room for improvement. 

"The relaxation room is nearly perfect, but there's no air conditioning in the personal lounge. On a Summer’s day, I sweat heavily after staying in here for just 5 minutes," a man surnamed Wu explains.

Another male shopper suggested the makers should make the machines more user-friendly, as the game pads in the room sometimes get quite stiff.

A private lounge, cleverly named “Waiting for You in the Bar”, in Shanghai. [Photo: VCG]

According to The Paper's research, female citizens feel less happy with the concept.

"Once a man starts playing video games, there’s no getting through to him, he gets so absorbed. Even when I’ve finished shopping, he’s still addicted to the games. This can cause conflict between couples," said one female citizen surnamed Li.

Responding to user comments, the manufacturing company is upgrading its machines, and is preparing to site more lounges in shopping malls across Shanghai in the second half of this year.

Although free at the moment, after an introductory trial period, users will need to scan a QR barcode to gain access and pay a small fee to use the facilities.