Inflatable Mascots Make for a Great Grand Opening Idea

Ashley Furniture Wellness Center "Big Guy"

When Ashley Furniture called and requested we make a smiley-faced doctor for their grand opening, we were a little confused. A doctor for a furniture store? Once they explained, it all made sense.

Ashley Furniture, in conjunction with a local medical facility, opened an on-campus clinic for employees and covered family members. To help announce the new clinic, they created a friendly cartoon doctor to serve as their mascot. Used in all communications and marketing about the new facility, Ashley decided the doc would make a wonderful grand opening idea. They contacted Landmark Creations to design a 15-foot-tall inflatable mascot.

They were hoping that the addition of the inflatable version of the mascot would provide big benefits at the grand opening and also press conferences. What results did they get? Improved foot traffic, more recognition, positive comments from everyone and press coverage on TV, radio and in the newspaper.

Shannon Duha, Creative Director for Ashley commented, "The inflatable exceeded our expectations of use. Everyone immediately sought an answer for 'what he was doing there' - it was PERFECT!"

Featured in Landmarketing Issue 27

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations

"Landmark worked with us to make sure our client was satisfied with the product. They provided great customer service and got us answers when we needed them."

- April Lo, SKA Events

"Just wanted to say how much we LOVE our inflatables. We tested them in our lobby where they were, of course, an instant hit for school group photos. Our leadership was quite pleased with the durability and the realism."

- Mike Hennessy, Carnegie Science Center

“The setup is so easy. We have had event tents and other promotional items in the past that were a nightmare to set up and break down. The inflatable is now the easiest part of the setup, and probably the most identifiable.”

- Vaughan Cutillo, Montauk Brewing Company

"Simply put, the bobbleheads were a real hit at TwinsFest. Over 21,000 fans attended the two-day event raising more than $100,000 for the Twins Community Fund charities."

- Heidi Sammon, Minnesota Twins

"This year’s event was the highest attended in some time, and the [inflatable] astronaut, front and center on our Portico, was a great visible draw from all over the area."

- Dennis Bateman, Carnegie Science Center

"I liked the way Tom listened and shared his ideas with me so that I could use the canyon like I needed. Tom hit a home run with my model. His input made all the difference in the world"

- Laurie Henry, Trinity Science Solutions LLC