Ikea announces opening date for Merriam store

The wait for a new Billy the bookcase is almost over — the Merriam, Kan., Ikea will open next month. At 9 a.m. Sept. 10 to be exact.

Fox4 KC reports the 359,000-square-foot store is located at 6000 Ikea Way, near the Johnson Drive exit off Interstate 35. In addition to completing construction, Ikea also says it’s now training a workforce of 300 employees.

While not in Missouri – it's just over the border in neighboring Kansas – the store will by far be the closest to Springfield. The next closest locations are in Frisco, Texas, or Schaumburg, Ill., just outside of Chicago.

Construction on the Show-Me State's first store – a St. Louis location – began this summer.

Customers can begin lining up for the Merriam grand opening 48 hours in advance.

Read more from Fox4 KC.