Have you been to the IKEA store in Centennial yet?
Day two of the IKEA Grand Opening celebration was much less chaotic and much more enjoyable than we had imagined it would be. If you have been living under a rock and didn't know that IKEA opening Wednesday July 7, 2011 then you must not ever drive down I-25 where you can't possibly mission the gigantic sign and bright blue and yellow iconic two story building that has dwarfed the rest of the businesses around it in Centennial CO.
It was reminiscent of your first trip to Disneyland with rows and rows of orange traffic cones, flags, brightly colored signs and excited shoppers patiently waiting in the long lines of cars as they approached this shopping mecca. Those of us that are native to Denver have most likely never even seen an IKEA store so we had no idea what was in store for us as well meekly followed along through the maze of streets and parking lots and structure getting ever closer to the Mothership of IKEA itself. Both the Douglas County and Arapahoe County Sheriff departments on hand to help direct the massive volumes of traffic in this already busy intersection near the Park Meadows Mall, as well as the event staff that IKEA hired to handle the event.
All the faces you saw were cheerful and excited for you to share in the fun of seeing something new for the very first time.
The parking garage is extremely well lit and offers a well organized entry and exit along with several parking spots for loading your larger furniture purchases as well as helpful staff members to help you load your car if necessary.
Upon entering the main doors, a yellow shirted IKEA employee greeted you with a map and a smile and off you were up the escalator to discover this new land of brightly colored displays and a plethora of bargains.
We were surprised to see how low and reasonable the prices and how many different types of items that were completely unique were there for you to purchase. Large shopping bags and carts are available for your use, a huge cafeteria with incredible lunch specials and seating with views of Centennial CO along with an adorable playland for the kids was one of the first things you encounter at the top of the escalator.
You can peruse the many photos of the crowds, bargains and excitement that surrounded this grand opening.
The IKEA Corporation was brilliant with their decision to open the store mid-week as the crowds are at least somewhat dispersed among these first five days. We fear if the grand opening had been on Saturday there may have been folks stuck in traffic for hours.
Along with the bargains to be had, IKEA also offers and entire playland area where you can drop your kids off while you shop, incredibly well trained staff members and one of the most well organized events you're likely to attend.
Enjoy the many photographs of the IKEA Centennial Store in the slide show to the left and be sure and stop by and check out this new Douglas County jewel of a store located at I-25 and County Line.
For traffic directions you can check this news release out and be sure and follow @IKEA_Centennial on Twitter for the latest happenings.
You'll be privy to fun facts like:
I know you've all been wondering. And here's your answer: 55,791 meatballs were consumed at grand opening. Mmm Mmm...#IKEA food.
The store in Centennial is 415,000 sq. ft.
What do you know - we'll have break dancers here on #NationalDanceDay on Saturday! 4-8 pm!
We give the IKEA Centennial Five Stars of excellence for event planning, bargains, fantastic staff and amazing customer service.
Want to know the latest about what's happening in Douglas County just South of Denver? Be sure and subscribe to instant updates above and follow @ParkerColorado on Twitter.com.
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