9 things to know ahead of IKEA’s grand opening next week

With the countdown to the debut of Ikea’s first Southern Nevada location officially out of the double digits —nine days away— here are nine things to know about Ikea’s grand opening next Wednesday:

Get in the Ikea spirit by attending an Öppen House event this week

If you can’t wait for the store to open next week, Ikea is holding another round of“Öppen House” previews at the Container Park in downtown Las Vegas starting Wednesday and ending Sunday.

At the event, guests can tour room displays and pick up a big blue Ikea bag filled with gifts.

Being part of the “Family” has early access perks

For those that have enrolled in Ikea’s loyalty program, called the Family, the store sent out an early invitation to members allowing them to take advantage of a sneak preview shopping day on Saturday, May 14.

If you aren’t already a member, contact your closest friend who is registered, as they had to RSVP to a certain time slot if they were planning to attend the pre-opening event.

Start your Ikea frenzy two days before it actually opens

Similar to festivities on Black Friday, starting Monday, May 16, Ikea will allow passionate customers to start lining up for the grand opening two days before doors are scheduled to open.

Plan to get there early on opening day

Although doors will open at 9 a.m. on May 18, Ikea is starting its opening day activities and entertainment at 6 a.m.

Among other acts, it’ll feature a German wheel performer, showgirls, live bands and stilt walkers.

At past Ikea openings, there have been videos of eager shoppers literally sprinting to the door as the store opens.

Attendees have also posted on social media that the past store openings featured giveaways and promotions. As of yet, none of been announced for the Las Vegas location, but here’s hoping.

Ikea employees will join in song to welcome the new store

Some of the store’s 300 employees will join together for a formal flag raising of the American, Swedish and Nevada flags.

During the flag raising, the coworkers will sing “Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”

Ribbon cutting? You mean, log-sawing

According to a representative from Ikea, the store will host a log-sawing rather than a traditional ribbon cutting. As Swedish custom has it, sawing a log brings good luck to a new home and its future guests.

Weekend long entertainment

All weekend long, Ikea will have roaming entertainers strolling throughout the store. Don’t be surprised if you cross paths with an Elvis impersonator, mimes, magicians or ball-walkers.

You can familiarize yourself with the store ahead of time

According to Ikea, the current catalog will give you a sense of everything you’ll find in-store. You can preview the products from home, take measurements, then jot down the exact aisle locations all before you pull into the parking lot.

The store has room for everyone

While there will likely be tons of eager shoppers flocking to the store, don’t worry, it’s big enough to fit everyone.

The company’s 42nd store in the U.S. will be 351,000 square feet with 1,300 parking spaces.

In addition to having around 10,000 items for sale, the store’s restaurant —home to Ikea’s well-known Swedish meatballs— will have 450 seats, the company said in a news release.

Contact Caitlin Lilly at clilly@reviewjournal.com. Find her on Twitter: @caitielilly_