Welcome, Treasure Hunt Location Hosts!

You’ve joined a neighbourhood-wide adventure that drives shoppers straight to your door.

This guide walks you through how the hunt works, what to prepare, and how to turn those curious visitors into loyal customers.

How the Treasure Hunt Works

• Participants register online in advance or sign up on the spot at the event.

• They receive text messages with the addresses of participating locations, one stop at a time.

• When they arrive at your business, they’ll look for your printed riddle or trivia question displayed inside.

• They text their answer to unlock the next location.

Your role: Provide the space, energy, and friendliness that make their stop memorable. That’s what turns foot traffic into future customers.

Your Riddle Display

• You’ll receive your official riddle poster in the week before the event.

• Display it in a visible but slightly clever spot somewhere inside your shop, not in the window.

• Keep it flat, clean, and at eye level.

• Don’t hide it behind products, staff, or seasonal décor.

Pro Tip: Place the riddle sign next to your most popular products or part of the space you want visitors to notice most.

Setting Up Your In-Store Experience

Your goal: Make people stay for a minute and remember you.

Ideas include:

• Offering samples or product demos.

• Running a mini draw or contest (“Show us your solved riddle for a bonus entry”).

• Creating a photo spot with your brand sign or décor.

• Offering a small same-day discount for participants.

Even a simple “spin the wheel for a prize” setup works wonders for engagement.

Staff Preparation

Before event day, make sure your team knows:

• What the Treasure Hunt is.

• Where the riddle is posted.

• How to welcome participants (“Welcome adventurers — the clue’s waiting inside!”).

• What any offers, samples, or extras are.

• Who’s responsible for social photos or giveaways.

Quick huddle tip: Enthusiasm beats perfection. A friendly greeting goes further than perfect signage.

Pre-Event Checklist

• Posters and riddle received and displayed.

• QR window clings and event posters visible from the street.

• Good lighting for photos.

• Staff briefed and ready.

• In-store experience (samples, draw, etc.) set up.

On Event Day

• Keep energy upbeat and friendly.

• Encourage visitors to look around after they find the riddle.

• Offer samples or explain your special promotion.

• Take a few photos or videos of happy participants.

• Collect feedback or social tags if possible.

Treat every hunter like a potential regular — they already made the effort to find you.

After the Hunt

• You’ll get a follow-up report with visitor and contact data.

• Reach out to your new leads with a thank-you message, discount, or invite.

• Post your event photos and tag Treasure Trove Toronto to be featured.

Quick Links

• Printable Posters & Social Media Graphics

• Activation Ideas Guide

• Staff Script Sheet

• Post-Event Marketing Tips

• Contact & Support