YEARS AGO, kiddie rides used to be all the rage outside of supermarkets and in retail establishments. Pop in a dime or a quarter,
and a small child can simulate riding a horse, a carousel, or even an ATV or motorcycle, for about a minute at a time. According
to Damon Carson of Kiddie Rides USA, these children's rides may be able to help you lure customers into your store.
If marketed effectively, Carson states, these classic amusement rides can play on the nostalgia of adults while introducing
them to children. They can turn a mundane store visit into a memorable experience.
IN YOUR DREAMS. If you didn't attend the Sturgis rally this year, you probably didn't get to see the latest painting from
renowned Harley-Davidson artist Scott Jacobs. This one's pretty special, for it features his daughter, Olivia, on the Spearfish
Canyon ride. Aptly named "In Your Dreams" by Dad, prints are still available for purchase. Contact Jacobs at www.scottjacobsstudio.com.
|
"If an adult and kid are coming into your store, a salesperson can pull a quarter out of his pocket and 'treat' the kid to
a ride on the kiddie ride," Carson says. "He's then building a relationship with the child as well as an adult, someone who
might buy a cycle [from the store]."
Another advantage of having a kiddie ride in your store is to keep children from damaging the merchandise you have out on
the floor. "You'd rather have a 3-year-old kid playing with a kiddie ride than with the real stock for sale. God forbid they
put a scratch on your stock or knock it over," he says.Though the money made per kiddie ride is hardly a drop in the bucket, Carson states that the investment is more toward building
relationships. "But you can make money off of them in the right location." Carson says.
The Denver-based Kiddie Rides USA restores the old rides and sells them to retailers from all ends of the spectrum: From ice
cream shops to furniture stores, from restaurants to dealerships. Rides start at $2,400, and go up to $6,000 for vintage 1950s
rides.
For installation, all you need is a standard 110-volt outlet. You also can choose how much to charge for rides, and you can
even make them free. Rides also can be customized with store logos and colors. Kiddie Rides USA also sells soda fountains
and electric trains. Contact: Kiddie Rides USA, 800-448-6888. —Cynthia Furey
RSS
Follow Us
