For a successful open house here are some helpful tips:
- Pick a theme - Pick a theme that is popular at the time and tie slogans, decorations, etc. to the theme.
- Be Creative - Do something you would not normally see or do at your type of store.
- Have refreshments - drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and light fare often bring people in and often does not have to be that expensive or elaborate.
- Decorations - Decorate in a theme and change from what you typically have. Bright, loud or contrasting often draws attention.
- Use your customer list and mail, e-mail, or facebook them to inform them of the event. Make sure you tell them to invite or tell their friends.
- Do demonstrations or provide informational tips at various times.
- Bring in a celebrity to meet, sign autographs or do demonstrations.
- Have special discounts or reduced pricing.
- Give some small gift or have a raffle.
- Provide a fun atmosphere with music - live or recorded - to make people feel festive.
- Promote, promote, promote - Make sure from the outside of the building people know something is going on inside: newspapers, websites, Facebook, Twitter, radio, TV, other businesses, etc. are all ways to make people outside know you are doing something in your business.