5 Ways to Excite Your Customers and Increase Anticipation for Your Upcoming Grand Opening with Signage

Opening a new business location is a massive undertaking, but marketing your brand shouldn't wait until the day you cut the ribbon. In fact, the most successful launches start building momentum weeks—or even months—in advance. At Signarama Redmond, we recently had the pleasure of helping our friends at Farine Bakery prepare for their exciting new location in Woodinville. By installing a vibrant, custom "Coming Soon" pre-opening marketing banner, they didn't just cover up a work site; they turned a fence into a lead-generating billboard. If you want to replicate that success, here are five ways to use signage to excite your customers and ensure a line out the door on day one. 1. Start Early with "Coming Soon" Construction Banners: Before the interior is polished, your exterior is already working for you. A large-format construction banner—like the one we designed, produced, and installed for Farine Bakery—is the most cost-effective way to announce your arrival. It builds mystery, informs the neighborhood, and directs eager customers to your website. 2. Turn Windows into Billboards with Window Graphics: Don’t let potential customers stare into an empty or messy construction zone. Full-coverage window vinyls or decals can showcase high-quality images of your products (like Farine’s delicious pastries) or display your opening date. This turns "dead space" into a 24/7 marketing tool. 3. Capture Attention with Feather Flags: Motion attracts the eye. Placing branded feather flags along the street front adds a dynamic element that static signs can't match. They are perfect for signaling that "Something New is Here" and are easily seen by passing motorists. Replaceable flag fabrics makes it easy to update the flags when you open. 4. Engage Pedestrians with A-Frame Sidewalk Signs: As you get closer to your opening date, placing A-Frame signs (sandwich boards) on the sidewalk can catch local foot traffic. Use these to encourage social media follows (e.g., "Follow us for opening day updates!") or to distribute flyers with grand opening coupons. 5. Establish Permanence with Your Main Building Sign: Don't leave your main exterior channel letters or light box for the last minute. Installing your permanent signage early establishes your brand's presence in the community and builds trust that you are here to stay. Ready to Build the Hype? Whether you are opening a bakery in Woodinville or a retail store in Redmond, your signage is your first impression. Don't let your storefront be invisible during construction. Contact Signarama Redmond today to discuss your upcoming grand opening or holiday marketing needs. Let’s design a plan that gets people talking before you even turn the key.