How to organise a furniture store open house

A furniture store open house needs a clear visitor flow as well as attractive product displays. Start by recording the visitor programme, sending invitations and tracking registrations, then use the final numbers to plan catering, seating and parking information. Before guests arrive, check promotional prices, prepare price tags and maps, test card machines and presentation equipment, and clean the store thoroughly. The last setup works best when reception, catering and customer routes are prepared in that order.

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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

1
Record visitor program
2 people
2
Design invitations
3
Send invitations
2 people
4
Process registrations
5
Collect dietary requirements
6
Update visitor list
7
Determine catering quantities
2 people
8
Make reservations
9
Check the route to the shop
10
Prepare parking information
11
Select product presentations
2 people
12
Check promotional prices
2 people
13
Prepare price tags
2 people
14
Create a visitor map
15
Do the shopping
2 people
16
Prepare promotional materials
2 people
17
Test the equipment
2 people
18
Fill coolers
2 people
19
Prepare snacks
3 people
20
Chill drinks
2 people
21
Thoroughly clean the store
3 people
22
Set up tables
3 people
23
Set up chairs
2 people
24
Set up the reception desk
2 people
25
Set up the catering table
3 people
26
Hang decorations
2 people
27
Put up signs and signage
2 people
28
Prepare products for sale
3 people
29
Set up demo rooms
3 people
30
Set up music and lighting
2 people
31
Test the cash register and card terminal
2 people
32
Hold team briefing
6 people
33
Check the doors and entrance
2 people

Event

34
Welcome visitors
2 people
35
Register sign-ups
2 people
36
Guide visitors around
4 people
37
Providing product information
4 people
38
Serve snacks
2 people
39
Refill drinks
2 people
40
Keep the catering table tidy
41
Empty trash bins
42
Check toilets
43
Restock supplies
2 people
44
See off the last visitors
2 people

Aftercare

45
Close the register
2 people
46
Gather promotional materials
2 people
47
Wash dishes
2 people
48
Put furniture back
3 people
49
Remove decorations
2 people
50
Clean the store
3 people
51
Store leftovers refrigerated
2 people
52
Dispose of waste
2 people
53
Check materials
2 people
54
Return borrowed materials
2 people
55
Set aside damaged materials
56
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 at least 7 days before the open house. Use the final visitor list to confirm catering quantities, dietary requirements, seating and the number of reception staff.
Plan the visitor route before moving furniture. Mark the reception desk, product presentations, catering table and toilets on a visitor map so guests do not block narrow display areas.
Check every promotional price and price tag 2 to 3 days beforehand. A single outdated tag can create confusion at the reception desk and slow down sales conversations.
Test laptops, card machines, speakers, coffee machines and extension cords at least 24 hours before opening. Keep power strips and spare cables accessible rather than hidden behind display furniture.
Finish cleaning before setting tables, chairs and decorations. Chill drinks, fill coolers and prepare snacks on the day itself, while tablecloths, serving trays and signage can be placed the evening before.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I plan a furniture store open house?: Start the programme and invitation planning 4 to 6 weeks before the event. Set the registration deadline 7 days before opening so you still have time to update the visitor list and order the right amount of catering.
How do I plan the layout for a furniture store open house?: Create the visitor route at least 1 week ahead and test it by walking through the store as a guest. Leave clear access to product presentations, the reception desk, catering and exits, then place tables and chairs only after the route works.
When should I check prices and prepare product displays?: Select product presentations and confirm promotional prices 3 to 5 days before the open house. Prepare price tags, promotional materials and the visitor map by the day before, then do a final check before guests arrive.
When should I prepare food and drinks for the open house?: Determine quantities after registrations close, usually 7 days before the event. Chill drinks and prepare snacks on the event day, while cups, glasses, plates, cutlery and serving trays can be laid out the evening before.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.