Psst… Here’s Five Ways to Enhance a Grand Opening

Psst… Here’s Five Ways to Enhance a Grand Opening

When it comes to launching a concept or product in a new market it can ultimately be a matter of sink or swim. Whether it’s bringing a fresh restaurant to a new market or launching a brand new retail service, companies must make a bold statement in order to make their brands stand out in a sea of competitors.

From promoting Kangaroo Express convenience store grand openings all across the Southeast to the grand opening of the first Old Chicago Pizza and Taproom in the Carolinas, we know a thing or two about what it takes to pull off a successful grand opening. Here are some tips to ensure that your brand swims when it’s time to make a splash with a grand opening.

  1. Timing is everything. Scan local news website event calendars to ensure that there aren’t any competing events happening during the designated day and time you are planning to host your grand opening. Then make sure your event details are posted on those event calendars.   
  2. Consider giveaways and sampling. Who doesn’t love free food? A great way to get people in the door is through incentives. If appropriate, give away samples of your product or host a raffle during the grand opening event to increase consumer attention.
  3. Charity Involvement. Tie your grand opening event to a local charity and donate a portion of proceeds from the event. Not only will it help support a worthy cause but your company’s goodwill in the local community will generate positive exposure of your brand.
  4. Invite local celebrity/political figure. Drive additional excitement around your event by inviting a local celebrity, media personality or political figure like the mayor. They can also help rally viewers behind the charity component, potentially landing your event some great local media coverage.
  5. Get social. Promote your event across your company’s social media platforms. Consider geo-targeting Facebook posts so that you have a better chance of reaching the people in your community. Develop an event flyer and post it to social media to help bring the event to life. 
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Posted By Jessica Highsmith

For Jessica, the weather is always sunny, with a slight chance of sarcasm. When she’s not whippin’ up delicious concoctions in the kitchen and mastering the perfect foodie pic for her loyal Instagram followers, you can catch her cheering on the Cardiac Pack or cuttin’ a rug on the nearest dancefloor.