From major cities to mid-sized markets: how indoor playground operators are redefining growth strategies
Over the past decade, the global indoor entertainment industry has largely been driven by major metropolitan areas, where high population density and strong consumer spending created ideal conditions for large-scale family entertainment centres (FECs). However, a shift is now emerging. Across regions such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Eastern Europe, mid-sized cities are becoming the new growth frontier for indoor playground and FEC investments. This trend is not only changing where projects are built, but also how they are designed, financed, and operated. A shift in investment logic Traditionally, developers focused on capital cities and major urban hubs. While these locations offer high footfall, they also come with significant challenges: High rental costs Intense competition Longer return-on-investment (ROI) cycles In contrast, mid-sized cities present a different equation. Operators entering these markets often benefit from: Lower real estate costs Le...