Event type
Store opening
A store opening is one day people remember for weeks. The length of the queue is part of that memory.
Headcount rule of thumb
Two to four people on top of normal staff for launch day; typically half that from week two.
In short
A store opening needs two separate headcounts planned: launch day and the ramp-up weeks. On launch day, queue management, leafleting and a welcome at the door are what matter, because that's when footfall and photographs peak. As a rule of thumb, launch day needs two to four people on top of the store's own staff: one at the door, one or two on the queue and promotion, and one supporting inside. From week two headcount can usually halve, but it's worth keeping some support for another two to three weeks while the permanent team settles in.
Who you need, and why
- Welcome hostess
- The door, the first impression, handing over a gift or leaflet.
- Promoter
- Engaging the queue, sampling, explaining the launch offer.
- Support staff
- Restocking, packing, ordering the queue. On launch day the store's own team runs out.
- Brand ambassador
- When the opening launches a brand, not just a shop.
What to decide, and when
3 weeks ahead
Launch programme, promotion, an estimate of expected footfall.
1 week ahead
Headcount for launch day and the ramp-up weeks, separately.
On the day, 90 minutes early
Briefing, leaflets, gifts, queue plan.
From week two
Reduced headcount while the permanent team settles in.
What usually goes wrong
- Staff planned only for launch day, and in week two the store's own team burns out.
- No queue management, and people in the queue leave before getting in.
- Leaflets stay in the stockroom because handing them out is nobody's job.
- Launch-day footfall planned around the store's normal capacity.
The staff we usually supply for this
Where are you organising it?
Information tailored to the city, with local venues.
Store opening
Give us the date and the guest count and you'll have a concrete headcount and price within one working day.
- A real quote within 24 hours
- Replacement guarantee for drop-outs
- No minimum order
- A dedicated coordinator on every booking
Frequently asked questions
How many staff for a store opening?
Two to four on top of the store's own team for launch day, depending on the size of the shop and the scale of the promotion. From week two, typically half that.
How long is the extra headcount needed?
Usually two to three weeks, while the permanent team settles in and footfall normalises. That's a recurring need, so the partner track is often better value for it.
Are languages needed?
At a tourist location or shopping centre, yes, usually English. For a neighbourhood store, generally not.