The Wandering Lantern
Opening Day Countdown Calendar
24 DAYS
November 6 - November 29, 2025
"Follow the light, find the wonder"
Legend:
WEBSITE Website updates & fixes
EMAIL Email campaigns
SOCIAL Instagram/Facebook posts
PRESS Media outreach
STORE Physical store tasks
PLAN Planning & admin
🎯 Week 1 Goals:
- Send first email to 100+ contacts
- Fix website hero image (biggest performance issue)
- Post 3-4 social media updates
- Complete store painting & shelving
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SOCIAL
Post: Behind-the-scenes construction photo with caption "The transformation is happening! 23 days until we open Cleveland's first children's bookstore 📚✨"
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PLAN
Review week's calendar together, assign who does what
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STORE
Continue painting & shelving installation
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EMAIL
SEND Email #1: "The countdown begins! Opening November 28th ✨" (10am send time)
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WEBSITE
Start hero image optimization: Convert storefront-temp.png to WebP format (use online tool: squoosh.app)
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STORE
Begin receiving & organizing inventory
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SOCIAL
Post: Meet Emily video (30 sec) - why she started this, favorite childhood book
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WEBSITE
Update hero headline to: "Cleveland's First Children's Bookstore Opens November 28th"
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PLAN
Draft press release for local media
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WEBSITE
Make phone number optional in signup form (remove "required" attribute)
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STORE
Install & test POS system (Square or similar)
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PLAN
Finalize press contact list (Lakewood Observer, Cleveland Scene, TV stations)
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SOCIAL
Post: Countdown graphic "19 days until we open!" + call to share with friends
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PRESS
SEND press releases to all media contacts (Lakewood Observer, Cleveland Scene, TV stations)
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PLAN
Review Email #2 draft for next week
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SOCIAL
Post: Store progress photos carousel (before/after, shelving, mural, etc.)
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STORE
Continue inventory stocking & organizing by age/section
📝 Week 1 Notes & Tips:
• Keep email #1 warm and personal - you're inviting people into your journey
• Social media: Focus on storytelling, not selling. Show the transformation.
• Website fixes: Even small improvements matter. Don't stress perfection.
• Press outreach: Follow up on Monday if no response by end of week.
🎯 Week 2 Goals:
- Send Email #2 with founder story
- Get at least 1 press hit (Lakewood Observer priority)
- Ramp up social to 5-6 posts this week
- Add FAQ section to website
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SOCIAL
Post: "2 weeks to go!" countdown with opening date details
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PRESS
Follow up with press contacts who haven't responded (friendly email or call)
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STORE
Finalize inventory pricing & labels
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SOCIAL
Post: Book stack photo - "Building our curated collection one story at a time"
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WEBSITE
Add simple FAQ section (hours, parking, birthday parties, age ranges)
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PLAN
Source Emily & Michael photos for website About section
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SOCIAL
Post: Emily's book recommendations for ages 3-5 (carousel of 3-4 books)
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PLAN
Contact local elementary schools (Roosevelt, Grant, Harding) about partnerships
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EMAIL
SEND Email #2: "Meet Emily & Michael—the storytellers behind The Wandering Lantern" (10am send)
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SOCIAL
Post: Mural artist progress / highlight
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STORE
Practice POS system, train anyone helping at opening
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SOCIAL
Post: "Tag a parent who needs to know about us!" (engagement post)
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WEBSITE
Add founder photos to About section
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PLAN
Recruit 3-5 volunteers for opening weekend
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STORE
Create display arrangements, staff picks section
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PLAN
Order signage (A-frame outdoor sign, window clings, interior wayfinding)
📝 Week 2 Notes & Tips:
• Email #2 should be personal and storytelling-focused. Why did you start this?
• Press: Lakewood Observer is your #1 priority. Personal outreach if possible.
• Social: Mix educational content (book recs) with personal story (founders, progress)
• Website: Simple FAQ prevents 20+ emails asking the same questions.
🎯 Week 3 Goals:
- Send VIP preview invitation (Email #3)
- Get 50-75 RSVPs for VIP night
- Ramp social to 7-10 posts (daily posting)
- Complete store setup & staging
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EMAIL
SEND Email #3: "You're invited: VIP Preview Night - Nov 27, 4-7pm" (10am send)
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SOCIAL
Post: VIP preview invitation video (Emily speaking directly to camera)
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PLAN
Set up RSVP tracking system (spreadsheet or Google Form)
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SOCIAL
Post: "Sneak peek inside!" - Store walkthrough video (1 min)
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WEBSITE
Add "Upcoming Events" section with VIP preview + grand opening details
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PLAN
Book photographer for opening events (or designate friend/volunteer)
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SOCIAL
Post: Michael's business story - why Lakewood, why now
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STORE
Final store cleaning & staging
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PLAN
Confirm volunteers for VIP night & grand opening
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SOCIAL
Post: Grand opening event details graphic (save/share-worthy)
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STORE
Stock gift wrapping supplies, shopping bags, business cards
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PLAN
Print all signage, event materials, QR codes
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SOCIAL
Post: "Meet our books" - Showcase unique sections (local authors, diverse voices)
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STORE
Professional photography session (store interior, products, Emily & Michael)
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PLAN
Review VIP night run-of-show with team
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SOCIAL
Post: Community testimonials / excitement from email list
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STORE
Set up reading nooks, kids play area, checkout counter final touches
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PLAN
Shop for VIP night refreshments & supplies
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SOCIAL
Post: Countdown "1 WEEK UNTIL OPENING!" with event recap
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PLAN
Final checklist review, ensure nothing forgotten
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PLAN
Rest up - opening week starts Wednesday!
📝 Week 3 Notes & Tips:
• VIP email: Create urgency with RSVP. Make guests feel special & valued.
• Social: Post daily this week. Build momentum and excitement.
• Store: This is final prep week. Everything should be 95% done by Sunday.
• Photography: These photos will be used for months - worth investing in quality.
🎯 Week 4 Goals:
- Execute flawless VIP preview (Nov 27)
- Execute unforgettable grand opening (Nov 28)
- Document EVERYTHING with photos/video
- Welcome 150-250 people to grand opening
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STORE
Team walkthrough - test POS, check lighting, music, signage
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PLAN
Prep opening day materials: cash for register, extra bags, supplies
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SOCIAL
Post: "2 days until VIP preview!" excitement builder
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EMAIL
SEND Email #4: "Tomorrow! VIP Preview Night 4-7pm" (6pm send)
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STORE
Prep VIP night: set up refreshments, face painting station, photo backdrop, guest book
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PLAN
Briefing with volunteers - assign roles, review timeline
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SOCIAL
Post: "TOMORROW! VIP Preview 4-7pm" final reminder
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STORE
Final store prep - arrange refreshments for tomorrow
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PLAN
Coordinate with volunteers - confirm everyone is ready
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SOCIAL
Post: "TOMORROW! VIP Preview opens at 4pm!"
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STORE
3:00pm: Final prep - turn on music, lights, arrange refreshments
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STORE
4:00pm: DOORS OPEN - Welcome guests!
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STORE
4:15pm: Emily & Michael welcome speech (5 min)
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STORE
5:00pm: Story time for younger kids
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STORE
6:00pm: Thank you toast, closing remarks
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SOCIAL
Live Instagram Stories throughout event
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PLAN
Document: Photos, videos, testimonials, count attendees/sales
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EMAIL
SEND Email #5: "WE'RE OPEN! Grand Opening Day is HERE!" (8am send)
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STORE
9:00am: Team arrives, final setup check
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STORE
10:00am: RIBBON CUTTING & DOORS OPEN!
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STORE
10:30am & 11:30am: Story hours
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STORE
12-2pm: Meet local authors (if booked)
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STORE
2-4pm: Kids craft activities
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STORE
4-6pm: Door prize drawings, final sales rush
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SOCIAL
Live coverage all day - Stories every hour, posts at key moments
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PLAN
Document EVERYTHING - photos, videos, customer count, sales total
📝 Opening Week Tips:
• Stay hydrated, eat, take breaks when you can
• Designate someone to document - you'll be too busy to remember
• Thank every volunteer profusely
• Enjoy this moment - you've worked so hard for this!
• Post highlights within 24 hours while excitement is fresh
🎉 POST-OPENING CHECKLIST (Nov 29):
- Send thank you email to all VIP attendees
- Post opening day photo recap on social media
- Review what worked / what to improve
- Celebrate your success!
- Begin regular store hours & weekly story times
📧 Email Schedule
Email #1:
Tuesday, Nov 5 (10am)
Email #2:
Thursday, Nov 14 (10am)
Email #3:
Monday, Nov 18 (10am)
Email #4:
Wednesday, Nov 26 (6pm)
Email #5:
Thursday, Nov 28 (8am) - GRAND OPENING DAY
📱 Social Media Posting Rhythm
Week 1: 3-4 posts (ease into it)
Week 2: 5-6 posts (ramp up)
Week 3: 7-10 posts (daily posting)
Week 4: Daily + live Stories on opening days
🌐 Minimum Website Updates
Week 1 (Critical):
• Convert hero image to WebP (performance)
• Update headline to "Cleveland's First Children's Bookstore"
• Make phone optional in signup form
Week 2 (Important):
• Add FAQ section
• Add founder photos
Week 3 (Nice to Have):
• Add "Upcoming Events" section with opening details
🎯 Key Goals by Week
Week 1: Launch momentum, send first email, fix website image
Week 2: Get press coverage, add FAQ, recruit volunteers
Week 3: VIP invites, 50+ RSVPs, finish store setup
Week 4: Execute perfect opening events!
📞 Key Contacts
Lakewood Observer: publisher@lakewoodobserver.com
Cleveland Scene: events@clevescene.com
Store Address: 15729 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107
Email: thewanderinglanterncle@gmail.com
Instagram: @thewanderinglanterncle
💡 Remember:
Done is better than perfect. You don't need everything to be flawless. You need momentum, consistency, and authentic connection with your community. Focus on what matters most: opening a store people love. Everything else can be refined over time.