Furniture store open house checklist

A furniture store open house combines customer appointments, product presentations and hospitality on the shop floor. Start by recording the visitor programme, sending invitations and tracking registrations so you know how many people to expect. During the final week, confirm catering quantities, promotional prices, parking information and the visitor route. On the day before opening, clean the store, prepare the reception and catering areas, and test every card machine, laptop and presentation device.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Record visitor program
2 people
Design invitations
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Update visitor list
Determine catering quantities
2 people
Make reservations
Check the route to the shop
Prepare parking information
Select product presentations
2 people
Check promotional prices
2 people
Prepare price tags
2 people
Create a visitor map
Do the shopping
2 people
Prepare promotional materials
2 people
Test the equipment
2 people
Fill coolers
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Thoroughly clean the store
3 people
Set up tables
3 people
Set up chairs
2 people
Set up the reception desk
2 people
Set up the catering table
3 people
Hang decorations
2 people
Put up signs and signage
2 people
Prepare products for sale
3 people
Set up demo rooms
3 people
Set up music and lighting
2 people
Test the cash register and card terminal
2 people
Hold team briefing
6 people
Check the doors and entrance
2 people

Event

Welcome visitors
2 people
Register sign-ups
2 people
Guide visitors around
4 people
Providing product information
4 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Keep the catering table tidy
Empty trash bins
Check toilets
Restock supplies
2 people
See off the last visitors
2 people

Aftercare

Close the register
2 people
Gather promotional materials
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Put furniture back
3 people
Remove decorations
2 people
Clean the store
3 people
Store leftovers refrigerated
2 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Set aside damaged materials
Note pending customer questions

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 30
Party tentqty 2
High tablesqty 6
Clothes racksqty 4
Waste binsqty 8

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 80
Glassesqty 150
Platesqty 150
Cutlery setsqty 150
Serving traysqty 12
Pouring jugsqty 6

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Card machinesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Portable speakersqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 4
Chef’s knives and bread knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 8
Coolersqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 150
Balloon archesqty 2
Tableclothsqty 10
Flower arrangementsqty 8
Buntingqty 6
Photo backdrop
Display standsqty 12

Lighting

String lightsqty 6
LED lampsqty 12

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mugsqty 3
Broom setsqty 3
Vacuum cleanersqty 2
Microfiber clothsqty 24

Catering

Groceries

Promotion

Flyersqty 500
Vouchersqty 200
Company pensqty 100
Carry bagsqty 150
Name stickersqty 200
Clipboardsqty 6
Registration formsqty 250
Clipboardsqty 6
Price tagsqty 100
Pensqty 30
A4 printing paperqty 2
Ink cartridgesqty 2
Pavement signsqty 4
Directional signsqty 12

Safety

Non-slip matsqty 12
Cable matsqty 10
Barrier tapeqty 4
Flashlightsqty 4
Batteriesqty 24

Tips

Set a registration deadline several days before the open house. Use the final visitor list to estimate seating, drinks, snacks and any dietary requirements rather than ordering from the initial invitation count.
Prepare product presentations before setting up the room. Check promotional prices and price tags together, then place the visitor map where guests can see it at the reception desk.
Test equipment while the store is still empty. Connect laptops, card machines, portable speakers, extension cords and power strips, and run each presentation from start to finish at least once.
Chill drinks and fill the coolers before guests arrive, not during reception. Set out coffee machines, kettles, cups, glasses, plates, cutlery and serving trays so one person can refresh the catering table without leaving the welcome desk unattended.
Allow a separate setup period for the shop floor. Tables, chairs, high tables, the reception desk and catering table should be in place before promotional materials, balloons or a photo backdrop are added, leaving clear paths between displays.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I send invitations for a furniture store open house?: Send the invitations about three to four weeks before the event. Set a registration deadline roughly five to seven days before opening so you can update the visitor list and confirm catering quantities.
How do I calculate catering for a furniture store open house?: Use the confirmed visitor list rather than the number of invitations. For a two-hour open house, plan around two to three drinks per person and one to two snack portions per person, then add a small buffer for walk-ins.
What should I prepare the day before a furniture store open house?: Thoroughly clean the store, set up the main tables and chairs, prepare the reception and catering areas, chill drinks, and test the equipment. Finish price tags, the visitor map and promotional materials before the final setup window.
How can I help visitors find the furniture store?: Check the route at least one week before the event and prepare parking information before sending the final reminder. Include the entrance, available parking and any access instructions in the reminder sent two to three days before opening.

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