I needed to pick up a kid’s birthday gift this weekend, so we took a quick family visit to the Westchester Mall in White Plains. As you may know, I am not fond of shopping and unless I need something, I don’t spend a lot of time browsing or window shopping. However, we went to the food court for lunch and stumbled upon Yogibo furniture. I was not familiar with the brand or the store.
For starters, Yogibo is a wide open, inviting space with bright, cheerful colored bean bag furniture. Adults and teens are lounging on these bean bag like chairs while kids are running, jumping, and playing throughout the store. A friendly employee encouraged us to come in and try the products. Comfortable and functional design is important in all product experiences.
As I entered, I felt like a cross between a kid in a candy shop and something from Woody Allen’s Sleeper movie. This oblong chartreuse Yogi Maxbean bag chair was upright and as my daughter describes it “you karate chop it” where you would like to sit or lay. Then one proceeds to place their body in the newly created crease. I was a bit hesitant, but to my surprise, it was very comfortable and held its position. Yogibo’s tagline “The only furniture that loves you back!” suits the products.
My husband, who was comfortably lounging across the store, looked like he was on the verge of a nap. The kids on the other hand, had no hesitation and literally karate chopped each and every Yogibo on display. At times they would lay back, almost fall into the oversized bean bag pillows and make them a lounger, bed like creation. You know I’m getting old when I tried to get up and was not only off balance, but couldn’t figure out how to gracefully maneuver my body or the chair.
These products reminded me of Mogu, a Japanese design brand that made similar bean bag like chairs, pillows and dolls. Nine years ago they opened a store in Nolita, but closed in 2006. I even still have a Mogu Joy doll that was the big fad in 2004.
My daughter wanted to purchase a small pillow as a token of her visit. Although tempting, we walked away empty handed. However, my husband and kids are ready for a house, which I will never be ready for, but we agreed that if one had a finished basement or a den, these would make great furniture. I have a feeling, that if this store is still in business by the time we purchase a house, we will be owners of Yogibo furniture.