It is a pleasure to share again every week on Market Friday. Here, we can get to know the habits, customs, and special places of many parts thanks to the invitation that
makes us.
Today I went to visit a newly opened video game arcade. This place belongs to some friends who have a toy store, and they decided to expand the concept of their business.
In this new store on the first floor, they have set it up to sell anime collectibles. They also have a section of t-shirts with a variety of characters from series and movies, but always from the video game, DC Comics, or Marvel characters.
On the second floor, there is a large space with 5 video game consoles for rent by the hour. The screens and gamer chairs are new and comfortable. However, I wonder if this concept can be profitable? The cost to play on the consoles is $5 per hour. It is not that high.
I have seen how every day there are more and more kids addicted to video games. There is even competition among gamers. This is a very wide field. Tournaments can be of a specific video game such as virtual drone competitions. That didn't exist in my childhood. Some players are named "virtual athletes" when they compete worldwide. What a crazy world today!
However, even though kids go online to play with others, they don't go to video game arcades anymore. These kids do everything from home, locked in their room. The pandemic has further encouraged their lack of social contact. This is a challenge for today's parents.
Although this playroom of my friends is newly opened, I have not seen it being used. It is an area that every time I go there I find empty. Is it too early to evaluate if it is good business? I am confident that if this concept does not work out, my friends can fill this area with merchandise from the other store they have and make this space profitable.
I will let some time pass, and then I will tell you if this worked or not. Today it is risky this type of investment in video game rooms. It is necessary to study the market, the habits, and know the consumer of this type of service.
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