The Power of the “Now Open!” Sign
Create a buzz with a new sign
In honor of the American Signs By Tomorrow’s big move to its new location, we’re celebrating the power of the “Now Open” sign.
(By the way, if you haven’t heard, our Chicago location has moved to a shiny new headquarters, which you can read all about in our last blog post.)
But First: “Coming Soon”
Before the grand opening of your new shop, it’s paramount to get the word out about your arrival. You are a new business, and you are coming soon!
Whether you’re a brand-new cat café, the second location of a beloved establishment or a franchise to a household name (a la Subway or Dunkin’), you have to let people know you’re coming.
While it’s best to announce the date of your grand opening as soon as possible, it’s a-okay to start with a simple “Coming Soon” sign and update the community as needed.
Update as you Can
Take it from us — in the case of our new Chicago location, we didn’t have exact dates to share with you wonderful folks, due to the wiley nature of a remodel. We started with an announcement, provided concrete dates later on, and presto, here we are!
Give your customers as much information as possible, but give yourself grace for the ups and downs of the process.
Create a Buzz
When the big day finally comes, don’t get chintzy with the fanfare. Get balloons, hire a mascot, offer free coffee — you get the idea! Entice passersby to stop in and smell the roses (or books, coffee and whatever else you’re selling).
Above all: Do not skimp on banners!
Sure, we’re biased, but a “Grand Opening” banner sends a clear message. Make it eye-catching and you’re sure to be understood by curious shoppers. Customize it to your brand to make a lasting impression on the community.
Be Strategic
Be sure to consider all aspects of your “Now Open” pizzazz.
Is the sign easily legible, with readable fonts and colors? Is your signage large enough, even for zooming passengers to catch a glimpse? What about placement — is it in a prime location?
Take Advantage of Windows
Last (but far from least), don’t neglect to make your storefront pop. Window graphics and displays are invaluable advertising real estate, especially when it comes to foot traffic.
“85% of your customers live or work within a five-mile radius of your business. If you want to grow your business, you should focus on this customer base. The quickest, easiest and most economical way to do this is with signage.” —International Sign Association
Take advantage of your window graphics, and be sure to update them regularly.
