Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

In advance of your launch, invite reporters to see what's new and hip in bathroom fixtures (commodes with automatic and/or heated seats, mirrors with television insets -- great for TV, ecologically-friendly fixtures that use fraction of the water than old ones).

To officially open the store, you could fill a sink or commode with champagne -- inexpensive to keep your costs down. Since this would be an item that has not been used(!), you may have visitors dip glasses into the fixture to help you celebrate.

It would provide the ahhhh factor and help the public remember your business.

**Avoid the gross factor -- Be sure to emphasize in any media that you get that these fixtures have NOT been used before!

What will your new store offer that your competition doesn't? That's what your message should focus on, and the reason people would want to come to your reception.

The way to make this story become a STORY (rather than just another retail store opening) is to think of some kind of stunt- TV loves great visuals. For example, can you offer the reporter a chance to do the story in a bubble bath with a glass of champagne (he/she wearing bathing suit of course) talking about how to relieve the stress of the economy with a good bath? Perhaps you could have a spa expert there to discuss what types of baths you take - epsom salts for muscle soreness, lavender to sleep, etc. One of my clients who sells fireplaces does a hearth decorating tips segment each holiday season that always gets attention! Think of something you can teach the public that uses your products and you'll have a better chance.