MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION – AND THE CUSTOMERS WILL REMEMBER YOU
I have opened 100+ stores in my retail years. Store openings are always exciting, full of pressure, a little bit despair and finally fulfilment, when store is opened. Not all openings have succeeded although there has been lots of skill and motivation on the work.
One thing though I have learned: the successful store opening is really important. If you have a great grand opening, it will have a long-lasting affect. When the customers have a good grand opening experience, they have a positive image of the store. Good grand opening also has a huge impact on store staff. The team spirit will be strong, and it carries the staff for a long period.
In creating the first impression in new store the details really matter. When the store is clean, well-stocked, nicely displayed, well-lit and have a pleasant atmosphere, it will be great for the store. Important part of the nice atmosphere is the staff behavior and attitude. Smiling, happy staff builds trust. When you have a great grand opening, it will start a circle of good. Customers are happy and thus also staff is happy.
I visited a new supermarket in a new mall in the city of Vantaa. This new supermarket is part of the S-group, the format is S-market. I was impressed in many ways: the entrance was impressive and first display superb and timely – note the Halloween pumpkins. The lighting in the store was interesting, quite modest on the aisles, but really effective on displays. The whole ambience gave a high-quality image, which should be so since the store was brand new. Staff was smiling and welcoming customers in the new store. It will be interesting to visit this place after few months and see, if they have maintained the high standards.
Building a new store is a big investment. Making the investment successful secures the planned payback. You can only open new store once. If the grand opening fails, it will take a long time to turn the store to right direction. The higher standards you have, the better you motivate and inspire your staff the better frame you have for the successful opening. Only way to learn how to make a great grand opening is to make a lot of grand openings. #grandopening #impresscustomers #retailisdetail #openingnewstore #retailmarketing #retailstandards
Congratulations on the grand opening! It’s wonderful to see the hard work of your Retail, Merchandising, and Marketing teams paying off. What has been the most rewarding part of the launch for you and your team?