Why should retail brands host grand opening events?
A grand launch event is an effective marketing approach to create early buzz and enhance brand recognition. Therefore, it should be more than just a one-day celebration event. It should have immersive and interactive explorations to catch the eye of viewers. Brands can create the hype through exclusive offers and tech-driven approaches like AR-powered try-ons and gamification. This will help brands raise awareness and interest about their launches. So, having a dedicated grand opening is a must to make a mark.15 exciting grand opening ideas for every business
Create a buzz with a countdown campaign
Instead of just announcing the opening date of your retail store, make the lead-up exciting. Give people opportunities to connect with your brand and upcoming products through interactive experiences. This will increase awareness and create anticipation for what is about to come.Ulysse Nardin launched a 3D visual spectacle at the huge screen of the SOHO Tongying Center in Sanlitun to advertise its upcoming FREAK fantasy watches. The naked-eye 3D experience was full of immersive and dynamic visuals. Pedestrians could witness the magical showdown of Ulysse Nardin wristwatches. The artful demonstration of exquisite timepieces through CGI ads yielded a high engagement and buzz for the upcoming watches.
Create a gamified and immersive experience
Turning your marketing campaign into a gaming venture makes it more engaging and interactive. You can use innovative technologies to make these interactions more immersive and playful. Add elements of fun through gamification helps to capture people’s attention and keep them hooked for long.
Jordan made the launch event of its first “World of Flight” store unforgettable through gamified augmented displays. In the event, visitors were guided to the storefront through precise AR navigation. They could witness AR-generated visuals of athletic products like basketballs, sneakers, and shoeboxes and snap fun selfies with cool Jordan hoodie AR filters in a playful manner.
Organize an in-store experience
Make your retail store an interactive space where users can engage with products in unique ways. You can use interactive AR screens, AI magic mirrors and dynamic displays to enhance engagement and encourage action.
Livat Shanghai has installed interactive AI smart screens to make customer navigation and exploration easier and more immersive. Buyers can chat with Livat AI and scan products through these screens to get all product and mall updates. This removes hassle and makes shopping smarter and more enjoyable.
Use tech-savvy displays and demonstrations
Use innovative marketing methods, like displaying products through immersive demos. Tech-savvy customers love to have such experiences. This will help you attract large foot-traffic and earn engagement effectively.
Ulysse Nardin used Apple’s Vision Pro-tech to display its Freak watches. In a historic event at Sun Ke Villa in Shanghai, Ellemen hosted a grand “Impromptu Night.” During the event, visitors could explore the precise 3D displays of Freak timepieces using Vision Pro Headsets. This fusion of fashion and tech was a big hit among visitors.
Offer engaging interactions with AR and VR
Using augmented and virtual reality might sound fancy, but brands are using these techs more frequently than ever. These cutting-edge technologies can completely transform the vibe of your event and engage customers in immersive interactions.
Livat Shanghai’s grand opening was a big step towards better future with a fusion of sustainability and next-level technology. By scanning the core highlight of event, called the Innovation Hub, users were taken to a Livat Planet AR fantasy world. Here, they could enter many interactive zones and explore the space in an immersive manner.
Huawei used AR technology to make the exploration of its “Ten Days Later” Future Home in Shanghai a one-of-a-kind experience. Users could open the Future Home AR mini-program and point it at Huawei’s Smart Home authorized stores to see some never-seen-before AR effects come alive before their eyes, simply through their mobile screens.
Host an exclusive soft launch for loyal customers
Brands can invite some selected customers to try their products in a controlled setting. You can offer them the first pick of new products and ask for their valuable reviews. This will make them feel that you really appreciate their thoughts and want to serve them in the best aspects.
Reward early visitors with freebies and discounts
Give some special perks to a few early visitors by offering free samples or discount offers. This will create excitement and lead to lines outside your store. Seeing this, more people will become curious and come to the opening event to learn about what’s going on.
Stream a live virtual visit
Brands can opt to stream parts of their grand opening events by going live on TikTok or YouTube. This will help people who can’t be there physically still feel part of the excitement and introduce your store to a wider audience.
Chopard created a virtual watch try-on for its “Snow Mountain” watch collection. The experience was made possible by augmented reality, which brought the exhibition to life in a 1:1 online showcase. Users could see the watches up close and even virtually try them on their wrists with 3D rendering technology and AR, simply through their mobile phone cameras.
Launch a social media contest or giveaway
This is one of the most frequently used grand opening ideas to grow the audience and earn engagement. Brands ask people to follow their accounts and tag friends for a chance to win a shopping spree. These contests spread awareness fast because each tag exposes your store to new potential customers.
Give special promo codes for online customers
Have special online promo codes for the people watching your live stream or visitors of your site during the opening event. These can include free shipping, a bonus gift, or a percentage off. It is a good way to capture sales from people who hear about your grand opening but can not attend it in person.
Introduce limited-time product drops and trials
You can introduce your products in limited-time product drops instead of doing them all at once. The limited availability will create a sense of urgency, and customers will know that if they don’t buy now, they will miss out big time. This will encourage them to make quick buying decisions.
Maybelline NY used this trick to introduce ITZY’s new Beat Limited Edition Collection of makeup items. The makeup brand used 3D and AR technologies to let customers try new looks in a gamified exclusive environment. Users were able to interact with virtual makeup items and engage in immersive explorations in the House of Beats experience.
Collaborate with influencers or local celebrities
Brands can use influencers to advertise their grand opening events. These social media stars can help you reach your niche audience easily. You can give every influencer a dedicated promo code, which you can use later to measure the response and success.
Team up with complementary brands
Collaborating with other brands can help you make your grand opening event a mutually beneficial growth opportunity. Look for brands that share similar customers with you but don’t have the intentions to compete directly. This will let both brands help each other in growing.
Make it fun with party and entertainment
Create a vibe that makes the whole environment celebrative and fun. Offer free treats and drinks to your visitors. You can also hire a DJ or band to add life to your grand opening event. This will inspire people to stay and engage with your offerings rather than just walk in and out.
Support a cause with a Charity or Fundraiser
Starting a fundraiser or charity partnership shows that you care about your community. Choose a good cause to support and display information about how much was raised after the event. It gives customers a reason to feel good about shopping with you.
Make your retail store grand opening memorable with Kivisense
The primary step to let more people know about your new business or campaign is to host a grand opening. Offering innovative and immersive experiences enhances interactivity of the launch event. It helps get people in the door and inspires them to engage with your offerings. Kivisense is a known platform that provides effective digital marketing solutions for every type of retail and e-commerce brand.
Our industry-leading tech solutions, based on innovative technologies like AR, VR, and AI, can help you kick-start your retail journey with a bang. Get in touch with us to offer your customers a grand opening experience they’ll never forget.
