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If you are about to open a dollar store, one of the critical tasks to add to your start-up checklist is developing and then executing a grand opening event for your store. While most new owners are totally focused on achieving dollar store sale levels in excess of their goal from their grand opening, this is a time to build momentum for the future as well. It is easy to accomplish both goals when you plan and execute an event that exceeds prospective shopper expectations. Make sure your event is not a typical run of the mill opening. Make sure your event is fun for all who attend. Make sure you take the right steps to make your grand opening the kick-off for a store that excels into the future. Tip #1) It doesn’t need to break the bank. When you open a dollar store be sure to solicit vendors to participate by providing merchandise for the event. Many will be happy to donate items at no charge. Some may ask for recognition, but most won’t even go that far. They are happy to help you start your new business with a bang. Use the items they donate as door prizes and giveaways to those who attend. Tip #2) Prep-plan your advertising and promotion. If you are doing advertising – try to coordinate all the media. For example, if you are doing newspaper advertising as well as radio, be sure the messages are close enough for listeners and readers to tie them together and know the ads are about one business. Don’t underestimate the impact that a small grand opening ad in the local newspaper can have on attendance. The extra traffic you generate from your advertising will help to build excitement and dollar store sale levels during the event. Getting your name in front of as many potential customers as possible will also help build traffic for future sales. Consider doing some almost free advertising by asking other local businesses to pass out flyers with grand opening information. Tip #3) If you are planning radio advertising, negotiate for a remote broadcast. The excitement of a radio station setting up and broadcasting in front of your store will draw even more attendees. Often the radio station will provide a well-known personality to announce during the event as well. Many people will attend just for the opportunity to see the personality in-person and possibly obtain an autograph. Of course while there they will also come in and explore your store and make a few purchases. Of course this all adds to your dollar store sale levels during the grand opening event. Tip #4) Offer something for almost everyone. Conduct a coloring contest for the kids. Even better; pass out coloring contest flyers to attendees and hold the actual event following the grand opening. Wait one or two weeks for kids to return their entries. That simple action will bring children and their parents back for a second visit to your store. Offer free gifts to the first few attendees who come. For example, you might give away a shiny $1 coin to the first fifty people through the front door. Hold drawings periodically throughout the day for valuable prizes. Mix up the activities, but make it exciting from opening to closing. Tip #5) When open a dollar store grand opening event one sure bet is food, snacks and beverages will be popular. Offer snacks such as fresh popcorn to everyone. Add food and drinks for (For example - Hot Dogs and a soft drink for $1.00.) for nominal fees to increase the traffic. While $1 for a hot dog and beverage will hardly increase your dollar store sale levels during the event, it will help offset your costs, and your attendance will be higher when food options are available. To your dollar store success! Want the best ideas to earn from your dollar store business? Check out "Tactics to Add Streams of Income to Your Dollar Store Business" at www.OpeningADollarStore.com.
Bob Hamilton is an entrepreneur, author, writer, business consultant and trainer.
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