Marketplace

Issue: 1978 June

MARKETPLACE
NEWSLETTER
PAGE 14, JUNE, 1978
It seems like the beginning of the 20th century all over again the way
coinmen are turning to arcades. Not the old fashioned arcades of the turn
of the century featuring, mainly, strength testing machines, but arcades
nevertheless.
New type family entertainment centers that are fully carpeted, that are
beautifully decorated, that feature miniature golf and skateboard courts,
even playrooms for tiny tots while mama shops. A new and modern concept of
what used to be called "Penny Arcade".
In addition to the larger family entertainment centers, there are mini-
arcades and, in greatest number, the game rooms. As predicted, there are
expected to be 50,000 game rooms, large and small, of every kind, in the
u. s. by 1980 •
The reason is quite apparent. Operators have turned away from many loca-
tions where, due to overbearing location demands, income has fallen for the
operator - not for the location owner. The arcade, in a busy transient cen-
ter, in a shopping mall, in a bustling neighborhood, assures the operator
a better percentage from the take.
The big problem with the new arcades is outstanding management. And good
managers aren't easy to find. Nor can they be quickly developed. Yet, much
to the surprise of many in the industry, ve-ry fine managers have come into
being. This will help bring about continued game rooms expansion all over
the nation.
Because of the game rooms, the industry is no longer dependent on loca-
tions to help develop new equipment. Nor are a great many operators com-
pletely subject to the whims and fancies of location owners. They have a
better deal for themselves in game rooms. They no longer need kowtow and
bow to locations, especially marginal, nasty locations.
All in all, the turn to arcades has proved highly beneficial, not only
to the individual operators, but to the industry as a whole. It seems the
old fashioned arcade idea of over 100 years ago, is now helping to lead
the industry to better business years while, at the same time, also bring-
ing a stimulating infusion of necessary new blood to the field.
l
MARKETPLACE
" WHAT'S NEWS?"
PAGE 15, JUNE, 1978
The most outstanding single necessity for this industry is, without any doubt whatever
"Public Relations". Over 44 years ago, in 1934 to be exact we urged the industry to '
create a "National Coin Machine Public Relations Bureau". Tue attempts made to create
such bureaus over the past 40 years were by individual associations which, a.f'ter a very
short period of time, faded out of the picture. What did persevere over the years were
public relations efforts by concerned men in the industry. All over the nation there have
been manufacturers, distributors and operators who, on their own, have involved themselves
with civic, social and charitable causes to bring glory to the industry. The time has come
when those engaged in this industry can bring respect, prestige and honor to themselves
and their finns while, at the same time, benefitting their industry, by joining across
city and state lines to create an active, hard working PUBLIC RELATIONS organization.
Don't know how many remember Bob
Yendes. Here's a picture of Bob
taken 44 years ago in his new ani
larger showrooms at Yendes Service
in Da,yton,o. Bob was Seeburg's dis-
tributor, Reading left to right -
Ray Eddy, R. Jones, P.M.Oxrider,
A.B.Brandell and H.W.(Bob) Yendes •
• • • Thanks to Dan Post of Arcad-
ia,Calif., who writes, 11 Always
learn something from the pages of
MARKETPLACE. Only a long, personal
dedication to the subject on your
part can make a magazine so warm."
•• , Which reminds us to tell you
to keep your eyes open for first
announcement of Marketplace's
18/5J issue, • • • After 25 years of teenage polls, the Rani Youth Poll reports teenage
spending soared to $28.7 billion in 1977, a new high. Teenagers are no longer buying
comic books, trinkets,etc. They're now spen:iing for stereos, radios, cars as well as for
pinball entertainment • • • • ~, haven't yet learned new address of Carlton Van Gorder
and his Watling Mfg.,Inc.
Bally Mfg. Corp., Chicago, came up with a big winner as of first quarter 1978 en:iing on
March Ji, Reve:rrue jumped up over J9% to $74.J million compared to $5J.J million for the
same quarter in '77. Net income was up over 12~ to $7.4 million compared to $J.J mill-
ion in '71. Per share income was up over 121% to 62¢ compared to 28¢ in '71.
Jukebox operators realize it can be all over by 1980 when the $8 per year royalty tax per
jukebOx comes up for review. That's just 2 years away. By that time, most jukes may be
under lease to 1.oca.t1ons so that locations will have to battle it out with the copyrighters.
Hats off to Toi[ Desiderio of T & D Amusements, Staten Island, N. Y. , who is now program-
ming tO lease
s jUkeboxes to his locations. He urges all to "get enough to cover juke
cost and maintain a profit". He emphasizes, "Lease is the answer." Tony also advises all
ops to play close attention to solid state pins and develop mechanics to keep the gaaes
in repair. "Let's hope", Tony advises, "this new change in operating and repairing does
not blow up in our faces."
Louis and Esther Palka have developed one fine business of mini-gol.f and mini-arcade in
Mundelein,Ill. Louis is one grand entrepreneur. Now Louis, who also owns the big Pinball
Palace, advises he has a unique "amusement corner for sale".

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