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KEEPING UP WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY

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MARKET FEASIBILITY

MARKET FEASIBILITY

As new and exciting entertainment options continue piquing consumers’ interest, the bowling industry has stepped up its game to address these changes. Here at IBI, we’re keeping pace with these developments too. To provide valuable insight to help proprietors maintain and grow their share of recreational dollars, we’re kicking off this new year with our own set of changes.

I’m very excited to announce the launch of a new section in IBI called “Amusement Alley, Entertaining Beyond the Lanes.” During the last 16 months of our company owning and publishing IBI, you may have noticed many changes as we have evolved and expanded our products to align with the changes in the industry, economy, and consumer and business trends.

Yes, IBI remains a bowling magazine focusing on the business of bowling. We are also a group of contemporary entertainment and marketing professionals who follow the fluctuations of the industry, along with variations in consumer behavior. Our publications and resources will continue to reflect these fluid changes to provide readers with up-to-date information to support their business investments.

Be sure to turn this month’s magazine over and check out our new “Amusement Alley” ‘flip section,’ which will be included periodically throughout the year. “Amusement Alley” will feature a variety of entertainment options that center operators might consider offering their customers. Whether your operation is a large entertainment venue, or a smaller, more traditional bowl, you’ll find something of interest in each issue.

This month’s cover story is about utilizing social media influencers in your marketing mix. While this may be a new concept to many operators, it has emerged as a strong grassroots approach in other types of business. It can effectively be applied to the world of bowling and family entertainment. For extroverted types who like to mix it up in their community, you’ll enjoy reading about company parties and other events driven by community involvement; hear about two operators’ experiences.

Last month when you received your January IBI issue, an additional supplemental publication traveled along. If you haven’t looked through it yet, I encourage you to do so, either in print or by accessing it on our website.

“What’s

HOT & TRENDING for Bowling and Family

Entertainment Centers” is a unique product and resource guide highlighting new products and services for progressive operators. Operators, suppliers, and industry experts share the latest trends and how they affect center operations.

IBI’s exclusive online-only content can be accessed at www.bowlingindustry.com. This month, Rhode Island Novelty shares how to deter theft in the redemption center, whether it is employees or customers who help themselves to your merchandise. Megan Hawkins of Party Center Software shares a parent’s perspective of having a child’s bowling birthday party that you’ll want to read over and share with your team.

As always, I love hearing from operators with stories to share and ideas that could benefit fellow proprietors. Please call or email me if you’re doing something unique or special. I’d love to talk.•

– Stephanie Davis, Publisher & Editor stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

PS: Don’t forget to sign up for the $30,000 giveaway. Register each month for your chance to win at www.bowlingindustry.com

Read These Top Stories Exclusively Online

Want Happy Customers?

6 Lessons Learned From Throwing a Bowling Party

BY MEGAN HAWKINS OF PARTY CENTER SOFTWARE

Bowling birthday parties are one of the most popular ways kids want to celebrate their special day. Providing your guests with a great party experience might seem easy, but making your customers happy might be trickier than you think! Read Megan’s experience from a parent’s perspective and someone in the entertainment industry for tips on party booking and customer service.

Deterring Theft in the Redemption Center

BY RHODE ISLAND NOVELTY

Theft is a problem with every business. Whether it is employee theft or customer theft, it needs to be dealt with in a timely fashion. Rhode Island Novelty gives tips on deterring theft from employees and customers. Their tips go beyond just adding more security in your center and focus more on an overall approach you can implement with existing staff members.

Arcade Game Types and How They Fit Your Location

BY BETSON ENTERPRISES

Adding arcade games to your center is a great way to increase revenue. However, there are so many types of arcade games that deciding what to purchase might seem overwhelming. Read how Betson Enterprises categorizes arcade games and explains how to determine which ones would be a hit at your facility.

Building a Successful FEC

BY CREATIVE WORKS

Building a successful FEC has many factors to consider before starting the project. Take some time and watch this webinar from Creative Works which dives deep into everything an operator would need to know before starting this process. Turfway Entertainment President David Wallace is featured in this webinar, and he gives information on feasibility studies, timelines, and operations for a new business. This is a webinar you won’t want to miss.

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