Debut draws crowds, but not gridlock
Ikea’s new Columbus store received an energetic but contained welcome from shoppers at its opening Wednesday, in contrast to concerns about massive crowds and traffic jams that had swirled in the weeks leading up to the event.
At 9 a.m., about 600 shoppers filed into the blueand-yellow building. Many had been camping outside for up to two days and were eager to finally collect prizes for their patience — free Ektorp sofas for the first 44 in line (Ikea now has 44 stores in the U.S.) or Poäng armchairs that went to the next 100.
The lines were “consistent with expectations” and usually ranged from several hundred to a few thousand people, said Joseph Roth, an Ikea USA spokesman.
Rather than a ribbon cutting, the store’s grand opening took place with a log-sawing ceremony, an Ikea tradition.
“(The opening festivities were) definitely a strong recognition of our Swedishness,” said Roth, noting the presence of Sweden’s deputy ambassador to the U.S. at the morning ceremonies. The store is located off I-71 at Polaris Centers of Commerce.
Police had been concerned the store’s opening would generate a massive traffic jam in an area that can experience congestion, even on a normal day. Plans were made to close exit ramps and divert traffic, if necessary.
But the congestion didn’t materialize.
“I think what we are observing is that the regular traffic in the area — residents and local businesses — are changing their traffic patterns,” said Gary Cameron, a commander with the Columbus Division of Police.
Even though traffic was light, Cameron says plans remain in place to deal with gridlock if it becomes an issue — and that remains a possibility.
“We are still pretty confident that Ikea is going to draw 10 to 15 thousand a day,” Cameron said.
Special-duty officers are scheduled to help handle traffic for the first three weekends that the store is in operation.
Beginning Friday, Roth expects weekend surges of shoppers until mid-July.
Shoppers turned out from around Ohio and beyond for the grand opening and to experience the Scandinavian superstore for themselves.
“So far, so good,” Casey Atha said. “But it’s a little crowded.”
Casey and her husband, Chris, both 26, drove from Charleston, West Virginia, about three hours away. Their dining room is outfitted with a table and some cutlery from Ikea. They’ve been to the Pittsburgh location before, but it’s 40 minutes farther away than Columbus.
“It’s really unique,” said Chris Atha, of the chain in general. “Not only do they have such a wide variety, but they have everything set up as a catalyst for ideas.”