Pump It Up bounds into Twin Cities market; 6 sites planned

Parties will soon be popping up all across town. That's because the "inflatable party zone" franchise, Pump It Up, is bringing six sites to the metro area.

California-based PIU Management opened its first Minnesota location last Sunday in an Eden Prairie warehouse facility at 7406 Washington Ave. S.

Another Pump It Up will soon open in Ham Lake, as will four others throughout 2005 in Anoka, Hennepin, Dakota and Ramsey counties, said Mike Martin, vice president of sales and marketing. The locations will likely be in industrial or warehouse facilities with high ceilings to accommodate the inflatables.

Franchises targeted toward children are a significant market, according to Ralph Massetti, president and CEO of The Franchise Builders, a franchise marketing firm in Tempe, Ariz. Many franchises focusing on dance, karate, parties and education for kids have increased in the past few years, he said.

Pump It Up's 6,000- to 13,000-square-foot spaces each offer party arenas with four inflatables for up to 25 kids, as well as private party rooms.

The idea behind Pump It Up is to make things easy for parents. Store staff supervise kids on the inflatables and clean up the private party rooms.

"Busy parents today are looking for interesting, new alternatives for kids' parties and family entertainment activities," said Kelly McGowan, president of Pump It Up in Eden Prairie.

© Business Journal - November 12, 2004

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