Savane Kids is celebrating its first anniversary, providing the perfect opportunity to reflect on this initial year of operations. Opening an indoor play park is always a challenge, but for Jérémy Villette, it has been a successful adventure. Through building a loyal customer base, hosting fully booked events, and forging productive collaborations with corporate groups, Savane Kids has managed to charm both young and old.

How did the park overcome the challenges of its first year? What lessons have been learned, and what are the plans for the future? In this article, Jérémy Villette shares the behind-the-scenes story of this great success and unveils what lies ahead for Savane Kids.

How was Savane Kids’ first year of operation?

Jérémy Villette: The first year was a real success. We managed to build a loyal customer base, which exceeded our expectations. Everything went very smoothly. Thanks to our loyalty program, we see many familiar faces, but we’ve also attracted new customers, particularly tourists during the summer season.

What kind of loyalty system did you implement?

Jérémy Villette: We introduced a loyalty card where the 10th visit is free. Each child receives a stamp for every visit, and it works very well. We’ve given out many free entries through this system, which shows that regular customers come back often.

What have been your main successes and challenges?

Jérémy Villette: On the challenge side, we worked hard to develop birthday parties, and it’s been a success. Today, we organize many, and they make up a significant part of our revenue. We also started working with corporate groups, which buy bulk entries for their employees. This has been very successful, and companies often request more.

Additionally, we launched themed evenings, and they are always fully booked. Events like casino or board game nights allow parents to enjoy themselves while their children play in the park. These evenings are hugely popular. We also decorate the park for special occasions like Christmas, Easter, or Halloween, and again, we’re always fully booked.

How has park attendance evolved throughout the year?

Jérémy Villette: We didn’t really experience any slow periods during the first year. Our results often exceeded our forecasts. However, this summer, we saw a 30% drop in attendance compared to the previous summer, but I’m not worried. We performed so well before that period that the recovery is already here, with many birthday reservations starting in September.

What feedback have you received from clients and parents?

Jérémy Villette: The feedback has been very positive. People often tell us the place is beautiful, warm, and that the atmosphere is pleasant. Customers also appreciate that both my staff and I are always attentive to their needs.

What advice would you give to someone considering opening an indoor play park?

Jérémy Villette: If you truly believe in your project, you can achieve great things. The key is never to rest on your laurels and always give families a reason to come back. It’s also crucial not to neglect the parents’ comfort, as they are the ones bringing the children. If parents feel good, they’ll return.

What are your future plans for Savane Kids?

Jérémy Villette: We’re considering expanding the play area with the help of Play In Business. After that, I might open a laser tag arena in the region, as the closest one is currently 40 km away.

Have you noticed any seasonality in attendance (slow or busy periods)?

Jérémy Villette: As mentioned, this summer was quieter with a 30% drop, but generally, we don’t have significant slow periods.

What is the average spending per customer?

Jérémy Villette: It’s hard to define an exact average, as every customer is different. For example, grandparents tend to spend more on their grandchildren. A parent with only one child often spends more than a parent with several children. Additionally, when a customer benefits from a free entry, they are more likely to spend on other services like food. So, it really varies depending on the family.

Thank you for your trust.

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