A MOTHER and daughter from Wokingham have claimed their place at the front of the queue at the new IKEA store in Reading – by pitching a tent.
Katie and Ella Cook, who moved to Southampton from Wokingham 15 years ago, decided they wanted to be among the first customers through the doors when the store officially opens at 9.30am on Thursday.
So much so, they drove 50 miles from Southampton, which already has an IKEA, to set up camp outside the Calcot store’s entrance, 27 hours before the official opening.
Mum Katie said: “We are originally from Wokingham and now live in Southampton. I went to the original opening of the IKEA Southampton store in 2009 as I have been a fan since I was a teenager and shopped in their Wembley store.
“As I was at the opening of IKEA Southampton, I wanted to bring my daughter along to the opening of IKEA Reading to enjoy the excitement and buzz that a new IKEA store brings.”
IKEA Reading opens at 9.30am on Thursday for browsing, with customers able to make their first purchases at 10am.