When Jacksonville’s new IKEA Home Furnishings store opens Wednesday morning, Kim Nelms will have completed camping out front for nearly 24 hours.
The 39-year old pediatric paramedic is there with her tent, a book, some snacks and a goal.
“I brought my guitar. [I] can’t play it but I’m hoping to learn while I’m here ,” she said with a chuckle.
Nelms said her husband dropped her off around 10:30 Tuesday morning.
“When I got here they said I was person number 22, which I was really surprised because I thought there would be a hundred people here already.”
It’s lucky for her there weren’t more people ahead of her. As one of the first 46 people in line, she’ll be getting a free couch.
“I mean, I’m here anyway because I’m excited but the couch is a bonus,” she laughed.
While Nelms waited in line, IKEA crews were busy getting things ready for the big reveal. The grand opening ceremony is set to start at 9 a.m. with speeches, a flag-raising and the traditional Swedish log-sawing, which is supposed to bring good luck to customers and the store.
Contact reporter Cyd Hoskinson at choskinson@wjct.org, 904-358-6351 and on Twitter @cydwjctnews.
