In an age where e-commerce giants and mammoth retailers dominate the retail landscape, traditional shopping malls are facing existential challenges. Once bustling hubs of commerce and social interaction, these malls now confront vacant storefronts and dwindling foot traffic. Amid this adversity, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of Elev8, a company with a bold mission to redefine the very essence of mall experiences.
Elev8 has not only made a thriving business but a resounding success out of resuscitating languishing mall properties, breathing new life into them as vibrant hubs catering to all age groups. The genesis of Elev8 can be traced back to its founder, David Goldfarb, whose Prime Time Amusement initially focused on selling and renting video arcade games, later evolving into a comprehensive family amusement enterprise.
Their approach is an intricate tapestry woven with threads of excitement and wonder, meticulously designed to reinvigorate these spaces. Picture arcades teeming with nostalgic video games, bowling alleys resonating with the clatter of falling pins, go-kart tracks offering heart-pounding races, laser tag arenas igniting intense strategic battles, rope courses and wall-climbing challenging your aerial skills, and mini-golf courses delivering guaranteed thrills. And then, there are the captivating 7D rides – an ingenious fusion of roller coaster thrills and cinematic storytelling that transports you beyond reality’s boundaries.
Goldfarb said, “In 2019 after Xtreme Action Park in Fort Lauderdale won an award as the best Family Entertainment Center in the US, it inspired me to scale the concept. Seeing department stores shutting down because of Amazon we purchased our first Sears box in September of 2019 in Sanford Florida, a subdivision of Orlando. In December 2019’we then purchased another Sears box from Eddie Lambert of Transform Hold Co.”
The company’s mission extends beyond pure entertainment; it carries a profound aspiration – the revitalization of struggling real estate. Goldfarb said of the strategy, “On December 31, 2021 we opened our first location in Sanford, Florida. Tampa opened in May 2023. Since then we have purchased three additional stores in the Jensen Beach area.”
With their innate ability to reimagine malls as lively entertainment centers, Elev8 becomes a catalyst for economic rejuvenation. Their projects not only create job opportunities but also draw crowds, breathing life into surrounding businesses. This success has spurred a trend, inspiring others to join in the collective endeavor of transforming underutilized or vacant spaces into thriving community assets.
Yet, Elev8’s vision transcends the realm of entertainment; it is a passionate effort to resurrect malls as vibrant social hubs. As they tread the challenging path of mall revitalization, it becomes evident that their mission goes beyond salvaging dying spaces – it encompasses crafting dynamic environments where pleasure and camaraderie thrive, where memories are woven, and bonds are rekindled.
Elev8’s initiatives infuse life into local economies and reinvigorate once-neglected corners. The malls that once languished in silence now hum with activity, setting in motion an economic resurgence that ripples through local businesses. Elev8’s unique blend of experiential entertainment and community enrichment has captured the attention of discerning consumers and visionary entrepreneurs alike.
In a shifting narrative surrounding malls, Elev8 emerges as a beacon of innovation and entrepreneurial resilience. Their triumph is rooted in a profound understanding of modern consumers’ evolving desires and their remarkable ability to adapt malls accordingly. Its team recognizes that people yearn for more than transactional experiences – they crave memorable moments that resonate with emotions and shared elation. Its strategic transformation of spaces has breathed new life into malls teetering on the brink of irrelevance.
“I can’t put into words how much fun the VR room zombie game is with three of your buddies,” exclaimed Steve A., a delighted visitor. “The video you receive after playing is pure comedy. This place is a ton of fun, and I can’t wait to return.”
“I cherish the experience my family had there,” shared William J., another guest. “They offered numerous options for all ages, making it a fantastic place for family fun time.”
The metamorphosis from a conventional shopping destination to a dynamic entertainment haven may very well be the lifeline struggling malls have been yearning for. So much so, they have been working to open new facilities in both Miami and Jacksonville. These latest were bought from Simon Properties; perhaps the largest mall operator worldwide.
In an era where consumer preferences evolve at breakneck speeds, Elev8 stands as a beacon of inspiration. Their journey imparts valuable lessons in adaptability, resilience, and the art of turning challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking thrills or a community-focused entrepreneur, the story of Elev8’s vision holds a treasure trove of insights for the real estate and retail shopping industries. Furthermore, in a world increasingly defined by virtual connections, Elev8’s revival of communal spaces serves as a resounding reminder of the enduring significance of tangible, real-world togetherness and experiences.
