Chinese mall installs 'husband storage pods'

A Chinese shopping mall in Shanghai has launched "husband storage pods" to entertain the bored men while their spouses shop, attracting dozens of people.
The transparent self-service pods in Shanghai's Global Harbour shopping centre are equipped with a TV screen, a leather massage chair and game consoles.
Men can sit and play retro 1990s games.
"Men usually get bored when shopping with their female partners, so we have provided them a place to rest. They can play games and charge their mobile phones here," said Zhou Jun, who operates and maintains the pods.
Users scan to QR code to reserve a pod, which costs 20 yuan (around USD 3) for half an hour or 30 yuan (around USD 4) per hour, Zhou said.

Since its launch one month ago, the "husband storage" facility has attracted dozens of people every day, state-run Xinhua news agency reported today.

"It's a good idea. My husband was always unhappy when going shopping with me," a lady shopper surnamed Wang said.
A male user surnamed Yang said the facility has hundreds of classic video games, which reminded him of his childhood.
However, not everyone is happy about the pods. Some wives have complained that it is no fun shopping alone.
"Who will carry my bag, chat with me and offer advice if my husband is sitting in a pod enjoying himself," said a female shopper surnamed He.

Zhou said that in the future the pods will be quipped with a curtain, air-conditioning and headsets to ensure a better user experience.