Sofa rage

The images of the riot that broke out at the opening of an Ikea store in north London are astonishing. Even allowing for the fact that one in 10 of us is now conceived in an Ikea bed, this demonstrates a truly frightening level of affection for the Swedish furniture giant. When shoppers are prepared to abandon their cars, climb over each other and generally behave like Vikings on shore leave - all to get hold of a discounted leather sofa - it is clear that our culture of consumerism is out of control. "Affordable solutions for better living" is the store's slogan. Perhaps in light of recent events it ought to be changed to: "Ikea: Survival of the fittest".