IKEA Centennial Colorado

[Dento]

En IKEA is open...

Carnival-like atmosphere marks opening of Centennial IKEA

The wait finally ended this morning for more than 1,000 customers, state and local officials and employees who witnessed a festive official opening of the IKEA store in Centennial.

The opening ceremony featured a speech from Governor John Hickenlooper, who predicted great success for the store.

"I feel a little like I am at a political rally," Hickenlooper told the crowd. He then predicted the Centennial store, with the help of surrounding businesses, will perform better than any other IKEA in the United States.

Colorado State Representative David Balmer was on hand to raise the American flag outside the store. Shortly after, the Swedish national and Colorado state flags were raised.

Hickenlooper and Balmer then joined together to saw a beetle kill log in half. The log-sawing ritual is meant to bring good luck to the establishment.

Then the doors opened. As customers streamed into the store shortly before 9 a.m., dozens of store employees greeted them by clapping IKEA thundersticks and chanting "IKEA, IKEA" in unison. The sound at the front entrance was deafening.

People at the front of the line described the atmosphere as "amazing" and "exciting."

Kim Ladouceur of Denver, made her way to the cafeteria to enjoy an order of Swedish meatballs, mash potatoes and lingonberry sauce. She described the meal as "Swedish deliciousness"

Shortly before 11 a.m. the line outside the door was down to nearly 100 people, but the carnival-like atmosphere continued on in the store.

Prior to the opening, the soon-to-be customers made up a circus-like scene that included blaring music and people dressed up in IKEA-themed and Swedish costumes. A chef from the IKEA cafeteria worked the crowd, showing off some of the store's signature Swedish meatballs.

Sally Overs, from Littleton, who waited in line since Sunday morning, compared the fanfare to a wedding or graduation. "I'm overwhelmed," Overs said, "I'm just trying to savor the moment."

Overs was waiting for the opening with new friends - that she made while waiting in line.

Kijk vooral ook even het filmpje bij het artikel: http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_18558598

[suebrons]

Toen de Ikea hier in Orlando openging stond er ook een rij met mensen die voor de deur campeerden. De eerste tijd was het er inderdaad (heerlijk) rustig, maar nu is het wanneer je ook gaat behoorlijk druk. Op zeg een zondag kom ik er al helemaal niet meer lol.

Ik zit in de woningverhuur en moet (nou ja moet) als mensen vertellen dat ze gaan verhuizen van een andere staat een meubelverhuur bedrijf aanprijzen. De wedervraag die ik vaak krijg is of we hier misschien een Ikea hebben (ja practisch om de hoek). Vertegenwoordiger van dat meubelverhuurbedrijf vroeg laatst waarom we ze zo weinig mensen meer stuurden. Ik vroeg hem of hij wist waar de Ikea zat. Hij zei meteen niks meer.