13 Things You Need to Know Before Going to IKEA

If you are anything like me, you’ve been anxiously waiting for the new IKEA to open in Oak Creek. It’s been just over a year since IKEA announced plans to build its first Wisconsin location. Building went even smoother than planned and the expected summer opening was able to be bumped up to May 16th! In true IKEA style, the opening on Wednesday will be quite a party. Before you head over to celebrate the grand opening, there are a few things you should know.

The store opens at 9 am. However, the parking lot opens at 5 am and they are making it worth your while to show up early. (And there will be entertainment starting at 6 am!) There will be a grand opening ceremony at 8 am outside the store as well. The first 200 children (12 & younger) in line receive a free FAMNIG heart-shaped soft toy, valued at $4.99. The first 1,000 adults (18 & older) in line receive a special “welcome” gift. At the Grand Opening, visitors in line before 8:00 a.m. CDT will be entered for a chance to win one of three (3) gift cards, valued at $500, $1,500 and $2,000.

IKEA has lots of spots to charge your electric car.

IKEA has designated family parking for those trying to wrangle kids and strollers.

The IKEA designers have figured out the best way to navigate through the store and will have lit arrows on the floor to help you find your way and not miss a thing.

You won’t see large carts by the door, just their signature shopping bags. If you do need a cart, you’ll find them deeper in the store so you don’t have to navigate with it before you actually need it.

IKEA has an app that can make finding exactly what you need even easier.

Småland is a place where your kids can hang out while you shop. It is fully supervised and only the specific person who signs the child in can sign them out. It has movies, arts and even a ball pit! It is required that they are potty trained and you can leave them there for up to an hour. (Or 90 minutes if you are an IKEA Family member. What’s IKEA Family? See the next point!)

There is a customer loyalty program called IKEA Family with some great perks. We are talking free coffee, special deals, and even extra time for the kids at Småland  Sign up at the kiosk near the store entrance or online. And if you are attending the Grand Opening. make sure to scan your card if you are already a member and join if you are not because you will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of twenty-two (22) $250 IKEA Gift Cards through the IKEA FAMILY loyalty program.2 Winner’s names will be randomly drawn every hour that the store is open.

The kitchen appliances are all Whirlpool BUT they come with a special perk – a 5 year warranty! (Most other places will only give you a 1 year warranty.)

IKEA mattresses come with 365 night satisfaction guarantee.  Don’t like it? Exchange it for one you do like!

IKEA customizes its display rooms to reflect the community they are in. The Milwaukee market has a lot of finished basements and dormered ceilings so the displays incorporate that. Also keep an eye out for our signature cream brick.

The display rooms list exactly what items are used in each and how much it would cost to completely replicate it in your own home.

IKEA has a Swedish market near the checkout area.

Thanks so much to the folks at IKEA for inviting me to a sneak peek and allowing me to share all I learned with you!