CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- After weeks of hype, the new IKEA store in Charlotte's University area opened Wednesday.

At 9 a.m., a crowd of thousands made their way into the store. Many had been waiting a long time for the store to open.

"I got some great deals in there," said shopper Jakki Reebey. "It's very good. I went to the IKEA in Jersey, but this is great to have in Charlotte."

While you can just show up and shop, you may want to come prepared. The store is huge, 356,000 square-feet, so it's easy to get overwhelmed.

"Yeah, the first time will be overwhelming, very much so," said shopper Dennis Brown. "But after that you can be on point to what you need and what you want."

PHOTOS | IKEA Opens

For those who've been to the store before, they knew what to do before they got here.

"They gave you little catalogs, so I just went through and I picked out everything I wanted," said shopper Tommy Edwards.

Experienced IKEA shoppers have their ideas as to how to make the most out of their shopping experience.

"My strategy is go to the clearance first, then we go from there, see what they have in clearance, what you're looking for and whatever catches the eye as long as the pocket is right," Brown said.

There are maps all over the store to help you navigate and pencils and paper so you can write down information about the things you want.

"They have tape measures. They have little bags for you," said Brown.

Many of those who arrived early walked away with gifts like chairs and gift cards.

If there's one thing you must do before stepping foot inside of an IKEA store, "Just don't wear heels," Edwards said. "I mean, I don't have that problem. I've got just tennis shoes."

This weekend, IKEA will offer free parking and free shuttle service from the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater to the store.