Opening a new store is an exciting and nerve-racking time, so it is easy to get distracted and turn a successful opening into a flop. A new store is like most things in the sense that it is important to get things off to a good start and a bad opening day event can set the tone for the future. There are five definite must-dos when opening a new store to make sure things get off to a great start and a great future:

1) Get customers into your store for your new store opening

Use your network, both online and offline, to let people know about your new store opening. Call or e-mail all your friends and relatives and ask them to let their friends and family know about your opening. If your mom is not excited enough to be at your store opening, neither will others. Tap into local online publications and websites such as patch.com. Most are free and post local business news. Some sites might even do an article on your store. Send an e-mail and ask the editor- you might be surprised at their response.

2) Make sure the store looks clean and organized
Spend a lot of time before opening day to make sure your store looks its best. Make sure your displays are organized and interesting. Clean the floors, fixtures, counter tops and windows. Also make sure your shelves are stocked. Nothing is more disappointing than empty shelves. You only have one chance to make a first impression so spend a little extra time on this. A clean store projects a lot about your business

Nothing is worse than being a customer and not being helped. Make sure on opening day that you are fully staffed with competent and knowledgeable help. It might just be you and a partner, but for opening day at least, have a couple of extra people around to help with the register and check out.

Getting the first purchase is one thing, but getting a second purchase gets you a customer. When a customer makes a purchase, give them a coupon for a discount on their next purchase. Collect e-mail addresses and send out sale and event notices. Get a Facebook page for your store and ask people to “like” you. The more opportunities you get for people to interact with your store, the greater the chance that they will come back.

5) Say thank you
People like to do business with friendly, likeable people. Smile and talk to the people that come into your store. You might be nervous at first, but keep at it and it will become natural. Ask them if you can be of help. If they make a purchase, always say thank you. The quickest way to go out of business is to not mind the business, and customer service is the most important part of minding the business.