MINNEAPOLIS, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Minnesotans discovered today that fun just went into overdrive. With its grand opening at Mall of America, RIDEMAKERZ(TM) introduced its unique car-customizing experience to hundreds of kidz from six to 106 who waited eagerly to create cool, one-of-a-kind RIDEZ.
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Inspired by both Build-A-Bear Workshop? and the massive car-customizing movement, RIDEMAKERZ' Mall of America location is the experiential retailer's second, having opened its first shop in Myrtle Beach, S.C. in May.
"People visit Mall of America? to have a great time shopping, and RIDEMAKERZ combines the fun and excitement of cars with the hands-on experience of creating your very own one-of-a-kind RIDE," says RIDEMAKERZ ZEO Larry Andreini. "At our shops there are more than 649 million possible ways to customize a RIDE and that doesn't even include individual decal placements. There's simply nothing like it."
Chip Foose, legendary car designer and host of TLC's hit show "Overhaulin," joined RIDEMAKERZ ZEO Larry Andreini and Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead to open the new shop by unveiling a life-size plexiglass car mold featuring more than 150 one-of-a-kind RIDEZ. After the grand opening celebration, Foose signed autographs for hundreds of eager car enthusiasts and shop visitors.
"I started designing and building cars with my father when I was a kid, and RIDEMAKERZ has nailed the customizing experience. When I heard about it, I knew I had to be a part of it," says Foose. "RIDEMAKERZ' commitment to the authenticity of the car culture, combined with their innovative approach to creative family entertainment makes this truly a unique experience. In fact, I've been so impressed that I am putting my name on 250 Foose Stallion Mustang Minneapolis Signed Edition RIDEZ," says Foose, who serves as an advisor and spokesperson for RIDEMAKERZ.
As part of its commitment to kids and the communities in which it operates, RIDEMAKERZ partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, giving the renowned youth program a $1,000 donation and involving its members in grand opening events. In addition, each member in attendance received a free RIDEMAKERZ RIDE.
"RIDEMAKERZ, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, recognizes the importance of collaboration, creativity and play to a child's development," says Big Brothers Big Sisters Director of Marketing Kimberlee Sinclair. "We're excited they've invited us to be part of their Grand Opening celebration this weekend."
THAT NEW STORE SMELL - START YOUR ENGINEUITY
At RIDEMAKERZ, each guest, or "Customizer(TM)," begins by choosing from dozens of bodies and paint styles, including such classics as the Ford Mustang GT, Dodge Ram pick-up and the new Dodge Challenger Concept. The Customizer then selects either a Street or Monster chassis and a free wheel or Radio-Control motor and proceeds to build their RIDE in a race-against-the-clock in The RZ Pit Challenge(TM). They then personalize their RIDE with custom treadz and wheelz, lights and sounds and other accessories such as spoilers, side pipes, engines, roll-bars, decals and much more.
Once completed, Customizers create a Personalized License Plate and receive their own Certificate of Title and unique RIDE Identification Number (RIN #), which can be used to view and interact with their RIDE online at RIDEMAKERZ.com. Finally, Customizers load their RIDEZ into the RZ CRUIZECASE(TM) and head out for a spin.
Customizers can enjoy the complete RIDEMAKERZ experience and leave the shop with a car ranging in price from $12 to $28 (not tricked out), depending on the body and paint style chosen.
Radio remote control can be added for an additional $25, and custom accessories range in price from $2.50 for grill guards, spoilers and hood scoops to $5 for a set of monster tires and chassis to $10 for a Street-Glow light kit to $15 for a deluxe "Muscle Kit" that includes a blown engine, spoiler, side pipes, muffler tips and roof vent. With more than half-a-billion combinations, there is a tricked-out RIDE for everyone's budget. RIDEZ measure approximately 10 to 12 inches long, about the size of a shoebox, and right around 1/18th scale.
Additionally, the shop's Web site, RIDEMAKERZ.com extends the car-customizing fun to anyone. Online Customizers can trick out RIDEZ for free -- or buy them -- and email them to friends. In the Web site's RIDERZ ED section, online Customizers can also learn about the history of cars and alternative fuels. They may also join the RIDEMILEZ CLUB to receive special screen savers, have a chance to win limited edition RIDEZ and be among the first to receive RIDEMAKERZ information.
About RIDEMAKERZ(TM)
With a mission and the ultimate vision of contributing to the positive development of kidz, RIDEMAKERZ is a fun, car-customizing experience where kidz from 6 to 106 create cool, one-of-kind RIDEZ. Inspired by Build-A-Bear Workshop?, a partner and investor in the concept, RIDEMAKERZ is about the joy and fun of creating something great, something artistic, something unique and original. Visit RIDEMAKERZ.com for more information.
Source: RIDEMAKERZ