Union Station isn't just a transit hub; it's a bustling world of its own. For our client Pokeworks Canada, launching their 6th location here was a golden opportunity, but it came with a unique set of challenges. Traditional grand opening tactics like hosting friends and family events, street signage and balloons were off the table due to on-site restrictions. 

The mission? To generate buzz and sustain momentum with a limited budget, onsite restrictions and tight timing. Our team of agile marketers love to prove that big impact doesn't always require a big spend.

Our Approach: 

Our approach featured strategic precision and creative flair. We designed a grand opening plan that was dynamic and highly targeted. We brought the excitement directly to the people, deploying an on-site team to hand out bounce-back offers directly to commuters and set up a vibrant, branded table right in the heart of the food court. We made sure no one could miss us by leveraging Union Station directional signage and a live DJ who set the perfect vibe.

On the digital front, we orchestrated a multi-stage organic & paid social media campaign, building anticipation and awareness from "Coming Soon" to "Now Open." Our secret sauce was collaborating with local creators to capture & share the experience with their followers. By partnering on an exchange basis, we generated authentic excitement that reached a massive audience without the hefty price tag often associated with creator partnerships.

The Results: 

The results were a true testament to the power of a smart strategy. 

• Our influencer campaign generated over 500,000 views in only a few days, creating a wave of organic buzz that surpassed expectations, at no cost. 
• Our social advertising campaign achieved over 800,000 impressions, proving that every dollar was working overtime. 

Today, the Union Station location continues to thrive with sustained sales, high social engagement, and glowing Google reviews. 

This project wasn't just about an opening; it was about proving a powerful truth: with a strategic marketing plan, a dose of creative ingenuity and a dedicated team in your corner, even a conservative budget can make a huge splash.