IKEA store in Charlotte readies for customers

Charlotte, N.C. — IKEA will open its first Carolina location Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Charlotte. With just a week to go, the shelves are stocked and sample rooms have been set up inside the store just off Interstate 85.

The children's babysitting area and playroom is ready for guests. Cooks are preparing the restaurant for those hungry for Swedish meatballs.

The first customers are expected to begin lining up Monday at 9 a.m. All week long, there will be entertainment for those who wait. "Music, jugglers, face-painters, raising the American flag, the Swedish flag ... a lot of celebration," Richard Castanon, store manager said.

There will also be product giveaways. Ten shoppers will each win a $1,000 gifts card, 100 will get a signature IKEA chair and more prizes are promised, Castanon said.