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On my flight to CES.
I’m sitting next to a “roller coaster professional” who flies around the country finding dying malls and converting the sq footage into family entertainment zones.
“I’m scouting out the big Macy’s locations that will probably close soon.”
I’m sitting next to a “roller coaster professional” who flies around the country finding dying malls and converting the sq footage into family entertainment zones.
“I’m scouting out the big Macy’s locations that will probably close soon.”
Why Macy’s other than the sq footage?
“Prime locations at these malls. Multiple aides for entrance/exit. That’s important.
“You can usually see them from the freeway. Excellent locations in the suburbs. They did all the location research for us decades ago.”
“Prime locations at these malls. Multiple aides for entrance/exit. That’s important.
“You can usually see them from the freeway. Excellent locations in the suburbs. They did all the location research for us decades ago.”
He’s not going to CES (I’m connecting via SLC and he’s taking his family skiiing). So I explain.
“Well maybe I should check it out next year. Sounds like something I worked on recently.”
He suggests I check out https://www.scene75.com/ .
“You’re from NYC, you wouldn’t know.”
“Well maybe I should check it out next year. Sounds like something I worked on recently.”
He suggests I check out https://www.scene75.com/ .
“You’re from NYC, you wouldn’t know.”
This guy found a dead Macy’s location, nearly 250K square feet.
It now has:
- multiple VR experiences
- a virtual roller coaster, looks like an IMAX type screen
- laser tag (the awesome kind)
- go karting
- Esports arena
“a place where parents can kill a day with their kids”
It now has:
- multiple VR experiences
- a virtual roller coaster, looks like an IMAX type screen
- laser tag (the awesome kind)
- go karting
- Esports arena
“a place where parents can kill a day with their kids”
My key takeaway:
You know how we acknowledge that there are essentially two internets, the “free” one in the West and the Chinese internet?
IMO in regards to “innovation,” there are multiple Americas. Coastal elites may never step into a Scene75.
You know how we acknowledge that there are essentially two internets, the “free” one in the West and the Chinese internet?
IMO in regards to “innovation,” there are multiple Americas. Coastal elites may never step into a Scene75.
He recommends that I subscribe to Amusement Today, and check out the IAAPA conference later this year.
“You’re crazy if you think VR is going to a big at home thing. All the interesting stuff is going to be in these entertainment zones, trust me.”
“You’re crazy if you think VR is going to a big at home thing. All the interesting stuff is going to be in these entertainment zones, trust me.”
He has a theory that although kids are chained to their smartphones, they crave to be with their friends IRL, but in fun digitally fueled environments.
“Why would kids go to the mall to hang out? My kids [11,14] do that on Snapchat. But they still want to get out of the house.”
“Why would kids go to the mall to hang out? My kids [11,14] do that on Snapchat. But they still want to get out of the house.”
Not sure if this is Chuck E Cheese or Dave & Busters 2.0 or the future of amusement parks... but it is an interesting evolution of the “Experiences vs Objects” trend/trope.
One thing is clear: u cannot claim to be an Innovation pro without understanding the heart of the country.
One thing is clear: u cannot claim to be an Innovation pro without understanding the heart of the country.
Last thing: this “roller coaster professional” is responsible for every physical roller coaster that you might see sitting atop a cruise ship.
I asked him if he’s ever taken a ride on one of his
creations.
His answer, nearly spitting out his Bloody Mary: Are you insane?”
I asked him if he’s ever taken a ride on one of his
creations.His answer, nearly spitting out his Bloody Mary: Are you insane?”
