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First look inside Oak Creek IKEA
First look inside Oak Creek IKEA
OAK CREEK -- After months of anticipation, the grand opening celebration for the new IKEA store in Oak Creek is only one week away. The store opens Wednesday, May 16.
“We’ve hired over 300 people locally and they are busting at the seams to let people in, so we’re really looking forward to opening day," said Samantha Gravina, store manager.
IKEA Oak Creek is the Swedish home furnishing company’s first Wisconsin location, and 48th in the U.S. After breaking ground last June, the new store will open May 16, with 10,000 different items up for sale.
“We design it with function, quality, obviously sharp looks, but affordability in mind," said Gravina.
Highlights include 50 different room displays, where you can see which pieces might fit in your home.
IKEA Oak Creek
“Living with kids, just getting started, living together, empty-nesters -- so we actually design our rooms to be functionally smart and also kind of tailor off to the people that we’re trying to target," said Gravina.
Since the average trip to IKEA lasts two to three hours, there’s a 300-seat restaurant midway through -- perfect for recharging with some traditional favorites.
IKEA Oak Creek
“Swedish meatball -- little bit tender on the inside, but little bit crispy on the outside. It’s paired with lingonberry jam -- a sweet and tart contrast to the savory taste of the Swedish meatball," said Peter Ho, IKEA chef.
IKEA Oak Creek
The warehouse features a variety of options including grab-and-go, same-day home delivery and even a way around those pesky assembly instructions.
“Once you place your order, we can actually have somebody come to your house and actually build all the furniture that you purchased," said Gravina.
IKEA Oak Creek
IKEA Oak Creek
All that’s left is to open the doors on May 16.
“It’s here. We've made it for you. The time is now, so come and enjoy it!" said Gravina.
IKEA Oak Creek
IKEA Oak Creek
Customers can begin lining up at 5 a.m. on May 16, before the doors open at 9 a.m. There will be entertainment, giveaways and gift cards up for grabs throughout the day: