For Immediate Release
Kevin DeSantis
(212) 645-6900 x118 or
kevin@jerichopr.com
HEY, IKEA COLLEGE PARK: PINCH YOURSELF, YOU’RE NOT DREAMING

Well-known “Dream” Celebrity Barbara Eden Joins IKEA in Helping Local Residents Furnish Their Dreams at the Grand Opening of IKEA College Park

College Park, MD, June 18, 2003 – Dreams tend to be things that live within our hearts and minds. Things we may hope to achieve some day, but deep down know may never come true. But, beginning June 18, area residents will feel as though they are walking in their sleep… With the official grand opening of IKEA College Park visitors will have the opportunity to “furnish their dreams.”

“With so many options, inspiration and products to choose from, we believe people can create the life at home they really want,” said Paget Ingham, store manager, IKEA College Park. “We may not be able to help all of your dreams come true, but when it comes to creating your dream house, or dream room, we surely can help furnish those dreams. With the grand opening of our brand new College Park store we aim to do just that.“

At the grand opening of the new IKEA College Park store (10100 Baltimore Avenue) on Wednesday, June 18 at 9:00 a.m., visitors are invited to join Barbara Eden, of I Dream of Jeannie fame, as she wakes up five IKEA “dreamers” who have camped out at the store prior to the doors officially opening (beginning Sunday, June 15. Barbara Eden will give dreamers a wakeup call and serve them breakfast in bed.

In celebration of the completion of the new College Park store, IKEA is providing shoppers with the opportunity to “furnish their dreams” during grand opening (from June 18 through June 22).

The IKEA College Park “Furnish Your Dreams” Grand Opening festivities include:

* Sweet Dreams – The festivities begin with IKEA offering five residents the opportunity to sleep out in front of the store beginning June 15 for the chance to win $2,000 worth of IKEA products to help furnish the home of their dreams. These lucky dreamers will participate in a variety of activities, including assembling IKEA beds. Barbara Eden will give them a wake-up call and serve them breakfast in bed! Not only will these folks be helping their own dreams come true, but IKEA will donate a total of $10,000 ($2,000 for each of the five dreamers) to the local Habitat for Humanity chapter.
* “Dream” Tellers – Throughout the store, shoppers can have their fortunes told for FREE, perhaps giving them insight into whether or not their dreams will become a reality.
* Official Opening – Witness the traditional Swedish log sawing ceremony and everyone can enjoy face painters, caricaturists, puppet-theater, jugglers, magicians and more! IKEA College Park will also contribute to a historical preservation fund and present a check in the amount of $100,000 (the first of three installments) to the Prince George’s Parks and Planning Commission on grand opening day.
* Birthday Wishes – The first 100 shoppers who arrive with proof they share the same birthday (June 18) will receive a $100 IKEA gift card.
* What Are Kids Dreaming About? – On June 20, children from four local schools will paint their dreams on IKEA SVALA children’s tables and chairs, which will be on display for shoppers to vote for which one they like best. One winning school will be chosen on June 23 and awarded a $2,000 check (runner up schools will receive $250 each).

Grand Opening Festivities at IKEA College Park, IKEA Woodbridge and IKEA Baltimore:

* Win the Home of Your Dreams – Shoppers can enter into a drawing to win a complete house full of furniture (valued at $10,000). Drop boxes will be set up at all three stores and one winner will be chosen on June 22.
* The Perfect Chair to Dream In – The first 100 people in line on June 18 will receive a FREE POÄNG armchair.
* Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite – The first 100 children in line on June 18 will receive a FREE FAMNIG soft toy heart.
* Wish Upon a Star – 500 stars will be handed out on opening day with special offers for shoppers.
* Dream Promotions! – Visitors can win their entire purchase (five winners per day will be selected randomly from June 18 through June 22).

Since its founding in 1943, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at prices so low that the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA is recognized as a socially responsible company, and continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. Currently, IKEA has more than 180 stores in 31 countries, including 16 stores in the United States and ten stores in Canada. To visit the IKEA Web site, please go to http://www.ikea-usa.com.