The LBX Show #23 – Trends, Tariffs, Redemption, and more!

Transcript

Sponsored by Intercard!

On this week’s episode, Brandon Willey and friends examine how venues are transforming to meet changing consumer demands and economic realities.

We open with a fascinating look at Holey Mackerel, a mini golf destination that has brilliantly evolved into one of Milwaukee’s premier cocktail destinations. This case study highlights how operators are fighting seasonality by creating complementary experiences that drive year-round revenue—a strategy worth considering for any venue facing similar challenges.

Kevin Williams joins BW to analyze recent openings and closings across the global LBE landscape, revealing surprising trends in competitive socializing. From Immersive Gamebox installations at resorts to cinema chains like B&B Theatres allocating significant real estate for entertainment offerings, we’re seeing traditional venues reimagine their spaces to create diverse revenue streams. However, as Kevin notes, the “throw everything at the wall” approach taken by some venues rarely succeeds—successful entertainment spaces require thoughtful curation and clear demographic targeting.

Arcade expert Adam Pratt tackles the challenging topic of tariffs and inflation, offering practical strategies for operators. Rather than automatically raising prices, he suggests leveraging “inflation-proof” marketing for retro games while recognizing the concept of “indirect income”—how certain attractions might not be direct moneymakers but drive customers to more profitable offerings.

The episode culminates with Justin Michaels sharing invaluable insights on redemption program success. His five expert tips cover everything from optimal space allocation to the psychology of prizes, revealing that redemption is “more about psychology than retail.” Particularly fascinating is his observation that high-ticket items rarely redeemed still drive significant revenue by motivating customers to play more, even if they ultimately cash in for smaller prizes.

Discover these strategies and more by joining our growing community of industry professionals at LBXGalaxy.com, where the conversation continues beyond each episode.

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Brandon Willey

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