Grand Home Furnishings officially opened Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. But the Roanoke-based furniture store has been open since June 25, attracting drive-by customers and customers from the Roanoke and Lynchburg stores who received invitations to the soft opening.

"This has been kind of our dry run," said Jill Truitt, store manager. "And it's been crazy, a good crazy."

On June 25, she estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people visited the store. Truitt said they had only expected about 2,000.

"We had a great turnout," she said. "We're very pleased."

Some sales were made the first night, and some customers returned the following day to make purchases.

Almost all registered for more than $43,000 in door prizes, including the grand prize -- a 2008 Smart ForTwo car. Other prizes included desks, beds and living room sets. The drawing will be held Aug. 16.

The event was catered by The Landing Restaurant, with hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a chocolate fountain.

"The only thing we ran out of was chocolate for the chocolate fountain," said Truitt. "We went through three gallons of chocolate."

As visitors dined and sipped on free Coca-Colas, a tradition served to Grand Home Furnishings' customers, they perused the 40,000-square-foot showroom. Additional space outdoors featured patio furniture.

Truitt said Grand customers will recognize familiar brands from the Roanoke and Lynchburg stores, with the newest designs and models. There also are unique items for the lake store.

After a long and eventful first day, Truitt said the opening was a great success, one that was evident through the customers' smiles.

"There were great responses from the customers thanking us for being here at the lake," she said. "They thanked us that they don't have to drive into Roanoke and that we're still handing out Cokes."