27 Mar Out with the Old, In with the New: Why Modernization Matters
The family entertainment industry has expanded to ensure consumers are immersed in not only an activity but an experience. Adapting to modern needs and habits is essential in providing the best experience for your consumer and ensuring your center withstands the test of time.
Consumer expectations and needs are constantly evolving, and family entertainment centers (FECs) must adapt quickly to stay competitive. To remain relevant in a fast-changing landscape, FECs often undergo modernizations that align with shifting cultural trends, technological advancements, and customer preferences. These updates are a vital part of an entertainment center’s lifecycle, helping to boost sales and enhance the overall customer experience. The good news? Modernizing FECs doesn’t always require costly renovations or structural changes. Simple upgrades like refreshing furniture, fixtures, flooring, and wall elements can make a significant impact, giving customers the fresh, engaging environment they crave. By investing in commercial-grade furniture that checks all the boxes for durability, functionality, and aesthetics, you can keep your guests coming back and new customers coming in.
Durability
In any entertainment-centered facility or space, the goal is to provide the customer with a memorable and immersive experience that captivates their attention and creates positive memories. The quality and durability of your furniture are extremely important factors that leave positive impressions. Negative bias proves that humans tend to remember negative experiences, thoughts, or emotions more than positive ones. In simple terms, if your sofas are outdated with scrapes and stains, that is what people will remember about your business. Here are some tips on choosing the best furniture for your center.
- Commercial Grade Vinyls & Fabrics
Modernization isn’t just about style—it’s about quality, too. Choosing the right vinyl or fabric is crucial for ensuring your furniture stands the test of time. Opt for commercial-grade vinyla and fabrics backed by performance tests like Wyzenbeek (for synthetics) and Martindale (for natural fibers). The Wyzenbeek test measures durability in “double rubs,” with 30,000+ indicating suitability for high-traffic spaces. Similarly, the Martindale test counts “cycles,” and fabrics with over 40,000 cycles are ideal for commercial use. Investing in high-performance fabrics ensures your seating stays durable and stylish, even in busy environments.
- Materials
Just like fabrics, elements such as the toekick, base, or legs of a furniture piece need to be built using sturdy materials to produce long-lasting furniture. The top two options for furniture legs are metal and wood. Wood tends to be more expensive but provides a longer-lasting finish, while laminate provides more color options but is susceptible to more wear and tear like peeling. For ultimate durability, choose metal legs that are not as easy to damage in the same way wood or laminate is. Specifying a toekick on a booth, banquette, or sofa can be a smart option for enhancing the structural integrity of your furniture. Toekicks in black ABS are the most durable leg option for entertainment centers.
Functionality
Any space created to entertain needs furniture that appropriately accents the evolving human experience to create a more enjoyable and seemly time spent within your facility. Functionality done well is what elevates an experience from simply entertainment to a meaningful journey.
- Custom Features
These features may seem minimal, but small luxuries makes a big difference in keeping consumers happy. Amenity-rich spaces have been proven to build brand loyalty and repeat customers.
- Modernization Provides Opportunity
Entertainment has changed dramatically over the years, demanding more creativity, imagination and fostering of social connections. There are many ways to be entertained, from social experiences like karaoke or bowling to more independent experiences like arcade games and virtual reality. With the dwindling attention span of current generations, due to extensive media consumption of short-form videos, modernizing your facility to incorporate multiple attractions within one venue can appeal to this obstacle while encouraging family visits, and allowing for multiple revenue streams.
Fulfilling this need also provides an opportunity to expand your original center and/or design to add additional spaces like VIP Lounges for private parties, arcade areas, and restaurant and bar additions. Modern Family Entertainment Centers need to go above & beyond to attract new customers and provide necessities so they can get everything they need in one facility. Not looking to expand or do any extensive changes? Modernization can be as simple as adding seating areas like lounges, concourse seating, or outdoor common areas for guests. Designing custom furniture to adapt to consumer needs, like seating pods with privacy or three-sided sofas that allow solo space, can be just as effective as a full renovation.
Aesthetic
The easiest and most common way one modernizes a space is by adjusting the interior design to fit into trending styles and aesthetics people enjoy. Microtrends can be fleeting and can go in and out of style, so we must accommodate trending design elements while remaining timeless so your facility doesn’t lose relevancy fast.
- Dopamine Decore
Dopamine decor is a perfect example of a design trend focusing on personalization and comfort to make a space feel homey yet fun. Exemplifying bright colors and warm lighting, this new interior design stint encourages choosing decor pieces that make you happy. Dopamine decor can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can help make your center’s interior welcoming and a place people will want to stay for hours. The goal is to create environments that make you feel happy, inspired, and energized.
- Earthy Tones
More into neutrals? Creating a warm and comforting space can also be done by taking part in the earthy/neutral tones trend. These tones are popular for creating a calm and grounding atmosphere that connects people to nature, promoting a sense of peace. Colors such as terracotta, olive green, and soft browns—provide a natural, timeless appeal that feels both inviting and cozy. The shift towards sustainability and eco-conscious living also aligns with this trend, as earthy tones reflect a connection to the environment and a desire to create serene, harmonious interiors.
- Brand Identity and Theme
Brand identity has never been more in style. Developing a clear brand identity helps shape how your brand is perceived and how you connect with your consumers. Defining clear values and beliefs alongside your aesthetic builds the tone of your company and provides consistency in consumer expectations.
In addition to creating inviting and cozy spaces, telling a story through a clear and well-executed theme can bring your guests on a journey through your facility. A clear narrative can differentiate you from competitors so leaving consumers with a memorable experience that is incomparable. For example, an ’80s-themed bowling center with disco balls, themed cocktails, geometric fabrics and loud prints, and curvy, low sofas will set you apart from local competitors.
Bowlero in Atlantic Station, GA transports their customers into the past with a retro aesthetic complete with custom branded upholstery.
Modernization isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a necessity for any entertainment center looking to stay competitive in today’s fast-evolving market. By prioritizing durability, functionality, and modern aesthetics, you can create a space that doesn’t just meet but surpasses customer expectations. Whether it’s investing in high-quality materials, incorporating functional yet luxurious elements, or staying ahead of design trends, modernization ensures your center remains fresh, immersive, and exciting.
Adapting and improving your space isn’t just about keeping up with the times—it’s about securing long-term success and delivering unforgettable experiences that keep customers coming back. Embrace change, and you’ll not only keep your center thriving but set the stage for a memorable experience that keeps people coming back for more.