Board Games Booming Business In A Slow Economy
Despite the doom and gloom reports of a poor economy, the board game industry is experiencing tremendous growth. Consumers are turning away from higher priced entertainment options and turning towards the low cost, simple-to-play, and ever so lowly board game for recreation. Games like Monopoly, Uno, and Skipbo are seeing a surge in sales. In fact, the board game industry has seen double digit growth each of the last few years.
The speculation is that board games represent a return to family values. The consumer strapped with cash, may be foregoing dinner out with the family, and skipping the latest movie, but they still crave to spend time together. Where video games tend to be a more isolated form of recreation, board games are a way to enjoy each others company.
The big three board game manufacturers, Milton Bradley, Parker Brothers, and Hasbro dominate the industry and account for much of the $300,000,000 worth of annual sales. But the rules are changing and even small manufacturers are finding a niche. The internet is leveling the playing field and allowing even the newest start ups to find an audience.
Take for example startup game company, Four Clowns Game & Toy Co, LLC out of Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded by four friends who wanted to bring their dice game to the world they have found the internet to be a fast and easy way to gain sales. Diception is the first game launched by the partners and they claim to have a master list they created that contains upwards of three dozen more ideas they would like to introduce.
Other companies have also sprung up to service this growing market. There are now services such Customopoly which allows anyone to create their own version of the all time classic, Monopoly. Another company that is gaining popularity is The Game Crafter. The Game Crafter website (thegamecrafter.com) allows anyone with just a few clicks of the mouse to invent their own board game, have it packaged, and shipped right to their door step. While their prices are not suitable for creating a game that you plan to resell, it is a great and low cost option for creating prototypes.
The Four Clowns Game & Toy Co, co-founder, Larry Shin, stated recently We researched the game industry thoroughly before investing in Diception. What we found is that when the economy is slowing board game sales tend to heat up. Since we are all family men, with children of our own, we wanted to create a game that our kids could play and enjoy right along with the adults. Diception is that game!
Deciding to get into the game business was an easy decision, but finding suppliers who would work with us to create a game was hard. We are nobodies and for the most part, gaming manufacturers want you to commit to huge quantities of games for your initial run. Eventually we did find a solution, but it was a lot of work. Shinn went on to state.
So while the other industries struggle to find business in this ever slowing economy, the board game business is booming. The industry appears to have many more years of increased growth, and companies both big and small are counting on this growth by creating new titles to satisfy the demand. Playing board games has always been fun and looks as though fun has no end in sight.
Simple Pool Landscaping Ideas
Do you have the amazing pleasure of owning your very own inground pool but do not know how to landscape around it? This is an issue that many homeowners will deal with. Here I will give you some simple yet universally effective pool landscaping ideas that are relatively easy to implement. This way you can make your backyard pool twice as impressive as it already is, turning it into the perfect spot for summer parties or just relaxing at home.
As our first pool landscaping idea, it is important to decorate the area around the pool with a variety of plants and vegetation. The landscape of the surrounding environment will determine the entire mood of your backyard. Also, do not forget to include vibrant colors around the entire area. The reason for this is that the blue hue of your pool water will accentuate any color it hits; thus, giving your backyard that serene and surreal feeling of relaxation and joy. Make sure to add plenty of flower-bearing plants. This way, you get to add color to your landscape, while at the same time giving your pool a natural feel. In addition, try to stay away from plants that drop leaves or petals as cleaning them every so often can be quite annoying. Go for potted colorful plants, such as zinnia and crotons, that hold on to their petals and leaves for a very long time. Moreover, do not hesitate to add rocks or stones of different shades and shapes in between your flowers. If you wish to cover up the dirt around your pool area, then I suggest that you use mulch. Mulch will help your soil retain its moisture and avoid weed growth. Also, it is natural and adds grandeur to your overall pool setup. If you want, you may even go for a mountainous terrain appeal. Just stack huge boulders together, add a water pump to simulate a small waterfall, and there you have it: your own personal royal rainforest.
Another pool landscaping idea is to make your backyard pool more inviting by changing up your outdoor furniture and decor. You can add more elegance and mystery to your pool by placing elements that have stories to tell. You can do this by adding in backyard statues, rustic lounge chairs, and even small fountains. This will help your pool become a really warm and guest-friendly hang-out place. You may also add a canopy over your pool area. This will ensure that you can hold backyard barbecues no matter the weather. It also gives you the liberty to rest and relax in your pool garden without worrying about the harsh elements of nature.
With some simple pool landscaping, it is quite easy to transform your pool into not just a place for recreation, but a wonderful spot to relax. It is not as difficult as it seems. All you need is a creative imagination and a desire to turn your backyard into something special. Follow these tips and you will have your own natural paradise in no time.
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