grand opening ideas

1. 61

   Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years ago

   We are getting ready to move our business into a larger location and are looking for unique ideas to draw in as much attention as possible on a budget.  We already have a lead on two local media sources and a billboard but we want our move to be an event one would be hard pressed to not have heard of it.  We are a motorcycle, dirt bike, and atv parts, service, and accessories store. We would appreciate any ideas.  Thank you.

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      livewithrichardposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'll have to go with a wet t-shirt contest.  Nothing will draw in a crowd more than a good wet t-shirt contest

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         Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         That may be true but not neccessarily the image we want to project! 

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   lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

   When our local Harley store opened they had other vendors sign up to come out for the day that were local to the area, like the ice cream shop, a burger place, a bbq place, things like that and made it a real party for the entire community.

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   1. 61

      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      That's something we have considered.  We don't have an ice cream shop here,  I'm afraid but bbq is popular....we do want to do something that proves our dedication to the community and keeping our local dollars happy.

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         china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Here in China when a new business opens, or even re-opens after a break they do fireworks, big!  some also get in the local female drum squad with dancers, and other variations as long as it is noisy and eyecatching. And usually accompanied by a day long promotion of some kind.
         
         Regulations would probably rule out the  fireworks for you but some kind of visual entertainment - I guess an old fashioned circus style parade around the place is out of the question

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            Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            actually fireworks may not be out of the question!  The circus thing, yes!

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   lynnechandlerposted 14 years ago

   I'm trying to remember who else was there, let's see I think there was the jacket vendor for harley giving away a prize, and a few of the other vendors that they buy from or get merchandise from, they had a riding safety demonstration a couple of times through the day, things like that. Of course Harley doing any kind of event brings out a lot of bikers in our area as we have several clubs and a couple of fundraising rides per year.
   
   Wishing you much luck!

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   1. 61

      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you-I had temporarily considered talking to our distributors but just as quickly scratched that idea.  Maybe I will give them a call anyway, it can't hurt!

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   Arthur Fontesposted 14 years ago

   You could try to get a press release from your local newspaper especially if you plan on advertising with them.

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      china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      When I　ｏｐｅｎｅｄ　ａ　ｇａｒｄｅｎ　ｓｈｏｐ　（ｍｉｌｌｉｏｎｓ　ｏｆ　ｙｅａｒｓ　ａｇｏ）　Ｉ　ｗｒｏｔｅ　ａ　ｂｌｕｒｂ　ａｂｏｕｔ　ｉｔ　ｆｏｒ　ｔｈｅ　ｌｏｃａｌ　ｐａｐｅｒ　－　ｔｈｅｙ　ｐｒｉｎｔｅｄ　ｉｔ　ｏｖｅｒ　ｍｏｓｔ　ｏｆ　ｐａｇｅ　３，　　ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｃｏｎｔｉｎｕｅｄ　ｗｒｉｔｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅｍ　ａ　ｇａｒｄｅｎｉｎｇ　ｃｏｌｕｍｎ　ｆｏｒ　ｓｅｖｅｒａｌ　ｙｅａｒｓ　ａｆｔｅｒ．　Ｙｏｕ　ｃｏｕｌｄ　ｔｒｙ　ｔｈａｔ　－　ｉｔ　ｉｓ　ｏｎｌｙ　ａ　ｈｕｂ　ｂｕｔ　ｉｎ　ｐｒｉｎｔ　Ｉ　ｔｈｉｎｋ　：Ｄ

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5. 61

   Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years ago

   Thank you all so much for your input!  It is all appreciated and they are truly all very good ideas.  As the time rolls around, I will let you know how well they worked!

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6. 59

   readytoescapeposted 14 years ago

   Try following the “Bike Week” Model and turn your moving into a grand opening event.
   
   Basically turn it into a party, the 3 B’s principle (Bikes, Beer & Bikinis) always works, mix in some music and the location will be loaded with customers.
   
   If you really want to make it an event invite other vendors to attend. This option is two fold in that it offers your clientele more things to do and see as well as defrays expenses by co-sponsorship fees.

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      Chaotic Chicaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Great idea! I wonder if the guy who drives the Bud Light truck in town might cut us deal for working on his bike........I'm not sure how the town will feel about it but hey, it couldn't hurt to ask right?

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   Lecieposted 14 years ago

   you could do car wraps...vehicle advertising. maybe have a car wash in the parking lot with big signs advertising that and just draw as much attention to your area as possible. good luck.

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8. 82

   Rafiniposted 14 years ago

   What about a "Bike Parade"? 
   
   Where I live, it's done every year actually.  The bikers ride through, go down the main street on their way out of town and on their way to some kind of gathering in a bigger city for the freedom to ride without helmets.
   
   There are so many of them, it can take 20 minutes or more for all of them to pass a single point on a divided highway with 3 lanes each side, and certainly does bring attention to themselves! 
   
   Another thought:  Do you have CC riders in your area, or Hells Angels?  I'm not sure, but I would think they might be interested to help spread the word about your Grand Opening.

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   jossecarrposted 14 years ago

   Bike Parade is great Idea for sure this will drive in crowd. You can also sponsor any sporting event that is happening in your area.

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