Pump It Up Reaps the Profits of Enhanced Business Model

Franchise Goes Beyond Birthday Parties to Attract New Demographics

Tempe, AZ - Bouncing, sliding and jumping is big business, and Pump It Up, the nation's largest franchise to pioneer the concept of indoor inflatable playgrounds, is proving it once again.

After branching out beyond private birthday parties for kids by adding educational programs, team building for adults and a variety of offerings targeted to teens, Pump It Up has increased its sales and solidified its position as the undisputed category leader. In fact, the franchise company has reported individual store increases of up to 40 percent in total revenue over 2009.

"Over the last decade, Pump It Up became known as the ultimate birthday party option with more than 160 locations across the country," said CEO and President, Lee Knowlton. "Today, we've learned that we can evolve, similar to brands to like Apple. By expanding with things like pajama parties for tweens, art programs for the local day-care center, Easter Egg Hunts, Parents Nights Out and team bonding activities for adults, we've stayed ahead of the competition and will continue to dominate the active entertainment industry for at least the next 10 years."

Knowlton, who joined Pump It Up last year in the heat of the country's economic turmoil, is a strong believer in the profitability of "edutainment," a term coined by Walt Disney in 1948. One of the most popular 'edutainment' programs exclusive to Pump It Up is Team Building for companies and adult groups, combining interaction on the inflatable structures with results-driven activities designed to increase cooperation and build morale.

Pump It Up franchise owners are also booking unprecedented numbers of children's camps and day-care centers for two new offerings: Jump-N-Art , which combines art lessons and physical activities on the inflatables, and Pump Start, which promotes learning and large motor skill development through music and structured play on the equipment.

Unlike any other inflatable party franchise, Pump It Up locations have evolved their classic party offerings to attract record numbers of older kids and "tweens." For example, Glow Parties turn a traditional Pump It Up event into a unique experience filled with black lights, laser lights, LED lightning synchronized to music, and glow in the dark accessories. Whether it's teens jumping in their pajamas at a PumpJama party or rocking out on Guitar Hero at Jump-N-Jam, Pump It Up is now a top destination for all types of celebrations.

In addition to the success of these new programs, Pump It Up executives credit the boost in store sales to a variety of corporate-led initiatives that have helped enhance the guest experience, including online booking available at most locations and redesigned, industry leading all new goodie bags.

Pump It Up franchise owners also benefit from the company's national partnerships with leading advocacy groups like the Autism Society, dedicated to improving the lives of those living with autism-spectrum disorder, and with the Advertising Council, a non-profit organization that develops public service campaigns to address critical social issues, including a national campaign addressing childhood obesity in America.

About Pump It Up

A clear leader in the active children's party industry, Pump It Up is the nation's largest franchise of indoor inflatable playgrounds specializing in private parties for birthdays, and other programs like corporate events, school outings, field trips and other events. Dedicated, trained staff provides guests with supervision, food and beverage set-up, and clean-up services to provide a stress free event. Pump It Up is headquartered in Tempe, AZ with more than 160 locations across the country.