OREANDA-NEWS. IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that when its Las Vegas store opens on May 18, it will recognize loyal, enthusiastic customers by giving away thousands of dollars in gift cards and merchandise – including an iconic EKTORP sofa for each of the first 42 adults in line, and a POANG armchair for the next 100 visitors. Other highlights include a free mattress for the first 42 on Thursday, May 19 and free monthly meatball meals for a year to the first 42 on Friday, May 20. (Customers may begin lining up at 9 a.m. PDT on Monday, May 16 – 48 hours before the store’s opening at 9 a.m. PDT on Wednesday, May 18.) Also, Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager, and Deputy Chief of Mission for the Swedish Embassy G?ran Lithell will join IKEA U.S. president Lars Petersson and store manager Amy Jensen in the official opening of the new store.

IKEA Las Vegas is the Swedish company’s 1st store and restaurant destination in Nevada, 42nd in the United States, and 385th worldwide. The 351,000 square-foot future IKEA Las Vegas store, with 1,300 parking spaces, was built on 26 acres along the northern side of the 215 Beltway at S. Durango Drive, near Sunset Road. The store will reflect the unique architectural design for which IKEA is known worldwide, and host Nevada’s largest single-use retail rooftop solar array, consistent with the solar presence at 90% of its U.S. locations.

The May 18 ceremony also will include State Senator Becky Harris raising the U.S. flag, Honorary Swedish Consul for Nevada Lena Walther raising the Swedish flag and State Assemblyman David Gardner raising the state flag of Nevada. Individual store coworkers will sing the respective American and Swedish national anthems, and “America the Beautiful,” and a sign language interpreter will accompany opening remarks. Entertainment for customers waiting in line will begin at 6 a.m. PDT on opening day. “Just as the IKEA store concept will introduce a new way of shopping for the home, we want customers waiting in line to visit our store to enjoy the unique experience too,” said Amy Jensen, IKEA Las Vegas store manager.