Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/501801
38 / MAY.JUNE.2015 RINKMAGAZINE.COM by T.C. LEWIS M ost rinks are built expecting huge crowds busting through the front doors on opening day. And what do huge crowds need but huge spaces? Many rinks have big, wide-open lobbies that look great and have many wonderful uses, but over time they don't create a warm and cozy feeling that says, "Hang out here!" Turning a rink into a community facil- ity can fuel long-term success. People feel at home in an inviting rink that seems woven into the fabric of their community. Customers will be at the rink several days a week. They'll feel like they live there. But making them feel at home can really enhance business. With limited budgets, rinks can still make some quick and easy changes that give the place a whole new look and feel. First, let's break up that large open space and add in some tables and chairs. A half-dozen tables with chairs will encour- age your customers to get some work done or help a second child who isn't on their ice with their homework. Mike Bauer, Recreation and Facilities Manager of Rogers Activity Center in Minnesota, was able to lobby seating by going online. "All the purchases were made from a local Internet auction that oftentimes has liquidated restraint furnishings," says Bauer. "I purchased 11 tables for $12. The 18 bar stools were $350. Out of curiosity I called the area rep and the chairs are $157 each new. The short chairs were $5 each on the auction." Customers now seem to enjoy hanging out in the lobby and enjoying a coffee or a snack or catching up with friends more so ever before. Standing around just seems to lead to walking around while sitting leads to staying longer and feeling more com- fortable. Conversations get started, and before you know it, time has passed and you have had a nice experience at the rink. One addition that made a difference at Extreme Ice Center in Indian Trail, North Carolina was Adirondack chairs. "The chairs add a rustic charm to the facilities. Almost like you are sitting on your porch and watching all that's going on around you," said General Manager Maureen Mulhall. Smaller tables along the boards, bar-top style, provide rink-side seating. In today's world, people come to watch their child skate, but they also like to stay connected and get some work accomplished. Staying connected means having power for your mobile devices. Adding a charging station that serves multiple devices at once can really add to a customer's experience. Little things can go a long way to mak- ing a customer's time at the rink enjoyable — and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. Remember, a happy customer is a cus- tomer who enjoys coming back. J How to Make Your Customers Feel at Home (Without Spending a Fortune) HOW To Customer Comfort , Create a comfortable space for customers to mingle, relax, or even get some work done. PHOTOS: COURTESY OF AERODROME CUSTOMERS WILL BE AT THE RINK SEVERAL DAYS A WEEK. THEY'LL FEEL LIKE THEY LIVE THERE. BUT MAKING THEM FEEL AT HOME CAN REALLY ENHANCE BUSINESS.