A Desperate Plea for Help
The owner of a novel business in Merle Hay Mall, Des Moines, Iowa, is reaching out to the community for support to remain afloat. Ben Houk, the owner of the White Rabbit Virtual Reality Arcade, has been struggling to maintain his business open as a result of a scarcity of foot traffic within the mall.
The Concept and Features
Houk opened the White Rabbit Virtual Reality Arcade 4 years ago with the goal of introducing Central Iowans to the immersive world of virtual reality. The arcade boasts an in depth choice of games and equipment, including haptic suits that allow players to physically feel the sport through vibrations. The cost of buying only one set of the equipment provided by the arcade is around $4,000. Houk’s arcade offers a novel experience, allowing family and friends to enjoy virtual reality together, unlike the isolated experience of playing VR at home.
Key Attractions
The arcade’s most outstanding features are its multiplayer arena and VR escape room. These attractions set it aside from other entertainment options and supply a novel experience for purchasers. However, despite its unique offerings, the arcade is struggling to draw and retain customers.
A False Start and Revival
Houk initially opened the arcade at Jordan Creek Mall in March 2020, however the pandemic forced him to shut by the tip of the 12 months. He reopened the arcade in Merle Hay Mall through the summer of 2021, hoping to capitalize on the mall’s transformation into an entertainment hub, with the announcement of the Buccaneers hockey team and a hotel. However, these developments never materialized, leaving the mall, and Houk’s business, struggling.
The Current State
Houk describes the mall as a "dead mall" and admits that he’s losing money. The lack of foot traffic has made it difficult for the arcade to thrive. In a last-ditch effort to avoid wasting his business, Houk turned to social media, posting on Facebook concerning the arcade’s struggles and offering discounts through Groupon. While the post generated some interest and increased customer traffic, Houk is unsure how long this momentum will last.
Response from Merle Hay Mall
The CEO of Merle Hay Mall, Liz Holland, responded to the situation, stating that companies across the arcade, corresponding to Flix Brewhouse and Bath & Body Works, are doing well. Holland expressed a willingness to work with Houk to know the challenges faced by the arcade and find ways to enhance its performance.
A Final Appeal
In response to comments on his Facebook post, Houk has arrange a GoFundMe page to boost funds to maintain the arcade open. His initial goal is $30,000, which might help the arcade regain financial stability. However, his ultimate goal of $100,000 would allow him to maneuver the arcade outside of the mall, potentially saving the business.
Conclusion
The White Rabbit Virtual Reality Arcade is a novel and exciting business that gives an immersive experience for purchasers. However, as a result of circumstances beyond its control, it’s struggling to remain afloat. With the assistance of the community, Houk hopes to avoid wasting his business and proceed to supply an exceptional entertainment experience for Central Iowans. The fate of the arcade hangs within the balance, and it stays to be seen whether the community will rally to support this modern business.
