You Know You’re Opening a New Store, Do Your Customers? - GSP

Construction on your new store is in full swing and the neighborhood is buzzing with rumors and inquiries about what’s “coming soon.” Now’s the time to keep the community informed, build excitement and prepare for a successful grand opening your customers are sure to love. Here’s how.

Give Your Customers a Sign

Don’t leave locals scouring the Internet for clues or asking nearby business owners if they know what’s happening. Let your future customers know your store or QSR is opening soon. If permanent signage isn’t ready, have temporary exterior signage made and mounted alerting them that your business is opening. Provide an expected opening date or timeframe to help build anticipation. Consider developing an integrated campaign to help announce your new location through local radio and TV ads.

Create a Buzz on Social Media

With more than 40 percent of the population utilizing social media, make sure your store or QSR has a social media account specific to your new location. This allows you to start building your local audience. Use this account to keep new customers in the loop every step of the way and even recruit potential employees. As your grand opening date nears, create a Facebook event with exciting offers and deals. Attendees can share and check in to your event to help spread the word. Cumberland Farms, Lucky’s Market and Rutter’s do a fantastic job promoting grand openings via social.

Get Involved in the Community

Get involved in the community you’ll be serving. Whether it’s helping your future customers by giving back or sponsoring a fun event, community activity keeps your brand top of mind. On a smaller scale, you can always create grand opening flyers or leave-behinds at community hotspots. 86 percent of consumers believe that companies should take a stand for social issues. Partner with a local nonprofit organization or school not only to make a good impression, but to pay it forward and “do good.”

For additional ideas, talk to GSP’s retail marketing experts. From affordable legacy store remodels to POP and everything in between – GSP’s your one-stop shop for driving foot traffic, accelerating growth and saving time and money.