Anyone who has tried to get some shopping done while also watching their children should be able to relate to this one.

The basic idea is to provide a fun, safe environment for children to play, sleep, eat or otherwise be entertained while the parents are free to shop, grab a bite to eat, see a movie or anything else that can be done at any of the large malls that exist today.

This environment would have to be fun enough that kids would want to go, and safe enough that parents would feel comfortable leaving their children for an hour or two…or three… Features might include a pager that can be given to the parent upon drop-off that would have a coverage range of the mall for easy notification should there be any type of trouble, (sick, sad, or just plain miss mom or dad). The environment could include fun and inviting jungle/gym type equipment that could be easily viewable from outside the store with an area for movies, games, blocks, crafts, or toys that would make kids want to come in and play.

Revenue would of course be earned through an hourly charge on a per child basis but might also include rev share or perhaps rent reduction from the mall due to the increased shopping potential provided by freeing the parents to more fully enjoy their shopping experience. Thus, parents will now have more time to browse the goods of the other stores and even try-on apparel that they wouldn’t normally be able to. (My wife would have me add that it is near impossible to try-on an outfit while your kids are wreaking havoc in the store).

Additionally, I have noted that malls already spend an enormous amount of money attempting to attract children…and their parents to the mall. From merry-go-rounds, to little trains, to mid-day puppet shows, malls are continuously attempting to attract families. However, none of their current solutions actually allow the parents to shop. At best, one parent would stay and watch the children while the other dashes off for a quick run into one store or another.

From a regulatory standpoint, I have done a little research on the topic and found that such a service is NOT considered, “child care”, and is not governed by the many restrictions that exist for that industry. The key difference is that supervision is not being supplied to allow the parent to leave the extended premises, (the mall), or to free up the parent to work.

…so what do you think? …you know…if you could find a way to attach a sports bar as well, you might find that most the dads opt to stay’n play instead of drop’n shop.

What do you think of this idea or comment?
(You can change your vote at any time)

I agree

No opinion

I disagree