RIDEMAKERZ, the store that popped up in the former Virgin Megastore, today received an award as "Pop-Up Store of the Year" by Chain Store Age magazine. Interestingly, in the press release for the award, RIDEMAKERZ confirmed that the Downtown Disney location will remain open until April 30 2011.
Now we know that there is a lot of reshuffling of stores at Downtown Disney, so perhaps RIDEMAKERZ will be involved in a move to a new location. It is however clear from this release that the store in the Virgin Megastore building will be closing soon. Which then begs the question, what is coming next for this large retail space?
Here is the full press release.
IRVINE, CA--(Marketwire - March 8, 2011) - RIDEMAKERZ announced today its Downtown Disney shop at Lake Buena Vista, Fla. won worldwide "Pop-Up Store of the Year." This is the second year in a row that RIDEMAKERZ has claimed the award presented by Chain Store Age magazine. The award recognizes RIDEMAKERZ for its creativity in transforming a 16,000 plus square foot retail venue into an auto-garage where kids and kids at heart can customize their own 1:18 scale toy vehicles, or RIDEZ.
"It's an incredible acknowledgement for RIDEMAKERZ to win Pop-Up Store of the Year two years in a row, especially given the momentum and creativity in this rapidly expanding category," said Larry Andreini, ZEO (CEO), RIDEMAKERZ. "Disney offered us an incredible space, and we were able to deliver a one-of-a-kind RIDEMAKERZ experience for the ages."
Much like its fully-customizable RIDEZ, the RIDEMAKERZ pop-up at Downtown Disney - Lake Buena Vista was completely tricked out. The shop immersed customizers in a real world auto salon with show-quality cars, including rides from the personal collection of legendary car customizer Chip Foose. Additionally, a specially designed radio-control track lets customizers play with their creations on-site.
The RIDEMAKERZ pop-up at Downtown Disney - Lake Buena Vista will remain open through April 30, 2011.
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