First IKEA in Tennessee opens in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It was an exciting morning for shoppers as the 271,000-square-foot IKEA store opened Wednesday morning in Memphis.

“Oh my gosh, this is so exciting,” Memphis IKEA store manager Trisha Bebering said. “We have over 225 workers that work for us here in the store. We’re all here today. We’re ready to go. We are looking forward to this fun day at IKEA.”

This is the Swedish company’s 43rd location in the U.S. but the first store in Tennessee, which has locals excited.

“Jobs for the community,” customer Paulette Flanagan said. “They do value the community and the family. They are here to help as well as provide.”

“It’s been busy, lots of people out today,” customer Will Ferguson said. “It’s a really cool store. It’s my first time in IKEA, so it was cool to see.”

Although it was chilly overnight and Wednesday morning, that didn’t stop customers from coming out, some camping out and waiting for IKEA free giveaways. The first 43 adults in the store got a free sofa, and the next 100 got a free chair. Kids got toys as they entered the store.

“I got a free sofa,” Anderson said. “I have nowhere to put it right now, but I’m excited for what I can do with it later.”

Customers say with cheaper prices than traditional furniture, they will definitely be back.

“I’ll be here probably once a week at least,” Flanagan said.

The IKEA in Memphis will continue their special giveaways for the first customers inside the store Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, the first 43 customers will win free queen-size mattresses.