BUSINESS

Ikea offering grand opening promotions at new Oak Creek store

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

The grand opening for Wisconsin's first Ikea store is Wednesday in Oak Creek.

Ikea likes to do things in a big way, and its grand opening festivities are no exception.

The Swedish-themed retailer on Wednesday announced events, special offers and thousands of dollars in gift card giveaways — one worth as much as $2,000 — as part of its May 16 opening day celebration in Oak Creek.

Customers can begin lining up at the store at 5 a.m. next Wednesday, Ikea said. Entertainment for people in line will start at 6 a.m., and the grand opening ceremony will begin at 8:15 a.m. The store is set to open at 9 a.m.

Here are the promotions, according to Ikea:

Welcome Sweepstakes: On May 16, visitors 18 years of age and older who are in line between 5 and 8 a.m. can enter the Ikea sweepstakes for a chance to win one of three gifts cards valued at $500, $1,500 and $2,000. Entrants must receive a numbered wristband, and winners must be present at the time of the drawing.

Ikea Welcome: The first 200 children age 12 and younger in line receive a free Famnig heart-shaped soft toy valued at $4.99. The first 1,000 adults age 18 and older in line receive a special "welcome gift."

Ikea Bag Giveaway: Customers will receive a free Ikea Frakta blue bag, valued at $1.29 with any in-store product purchase. Limit one per customer, and doesn't include food purchases.

Ikea Family $250 Card Giveaway: On May 16, visitors who join the Ikea Family loyalty program or scan their Ikea Family card in the store at an Ikea Family kiosk, info tower, tablet or during checkout will automatically enter for a chance to win one of 22 gift cards worth $250 through the Ikea Family loyalty program. Winners' names will be drawn randomly every hour the store is open. The giveaway starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. This giveaway is open to adults age 18 or older who are members in good standing of the Ikea Family program. Entrants must be in the store at the time of the drawing to claim a prize.

Ikea Oak Creek Offer: When customers used an Ikea Family card in the store from May 16 through 28 and spend a minimum of $125, they'll receive, via email, $20 off the next purchase of $100 or more.