You only open once. For a new shop in Brooklyn, a grand opening banner is often the first thing the neighborhood learns about you, and people walking or driving past have only a few seconds to read it.
Here is how to get a banner that does its job.
Decide what the banner has to say
Most grand opening banners try to say too much. Pick the few things that matter:
- "Grand Opening" or "Now Open," in the largest letters.
- Your business name, or what you sell if your name doesn't explain it. "Halal Grill" tells people more than a name they have never heard.
- One reason to come in, such as a date or a short offer.
Your phone number and website can go in smaller text, or on the flyers you hand out. If you serve more than one community, as many Bay Ridge shops do, a banner in English and Arabic can reach both. Tell us up front so the layout has room for both.
Size: measure first
The right banner is the one that fits your storefront and can be read from where your customers are.
- Measure the space where the banner will hang.
- Note what is in the way, such as an awning, a door or a security gate.
- Stand across the street and picture the words. If you have to squint, the text needs to be bigger or there needs to be less of it.
Choose the right material
- Vinyl banners are the common choice for storefronts and fences.
- Mesh banners let wind pass through, which helps on fences and in exposed spots.
- Double-sided blockout banners are useful when people will see both sides, such as a banner hung across a space.
Ask about hems and grommets too, so you can hang the banner properly.
Add signs at street level
A banner up high catches drivers. People on the sidewalk need something at eye level:
- A-frame sidewalk signs can be moved inside at night and changed later.
- Feather flags add movement that catches the eye from down the block.
- Window decals can show your hours and what you sell.
Before you hang or place anything, check with your landlord and the city rules for your block, especially for anything on the sidewalk.
Don't stop at the sign
A banner brings attention to your door. The rest of your printing helps people remember you:
- Flyers or door hangers for the surrounding blocks.
- Business cards for every customer who asks.
- Menus if you serve food.
Give yourself time before opening day. Order your printing early, so you are not chasing a banner in the same week the inspector is coming and your stock is arriving.
After the grand opening
Choose wording you can keep. If the banner says "Now Open" with no date, you can leave it up longer. If it has a date, you will need to replace it. A simple second banner, such as your hours or your best seller, can take its place.
Frequently asked questions
Can you print my banner in Arabic and English?
Yes. Tell us when you ask for a quote so the layout is planned for both.
Do I see the design before printing?
Yes. You approve a proof before anything prints.
How much is a banner?
It depends on the size, material and quantity. Send us those details and we will reply with a quote.
Can you ship outside Brooklyn?
Yes. We ship anywhere in the US.
Get a quote
Amana Printing has served Bay Ridge businesses since 2005. Tell us your opening date and your storefront size on WhatsApp at (929) 290-6165, or call (718) 491-6456 for a quote. You approve a proof before we print, and we ship anywhere in the US. You can also stop by the shop at 507 68th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220.