Embracing the Pop-Up Club Concept: Pickleball 901 Eyes National Expansion
The vacant Bed Bath and Beyond store at Carriage Crossing in Collierville just might have found a vibrant new tenant. The space could soon be home to Pickleball 901’s pop-up club, which is expected to open its doors this June.
The flourishing sports business’ owners are enthusiastic about weaving the pop-up model into their future plans, and they’re not alone. The Collierville Planning Commission has given a conditional use permit for the club a nod of approval. Town leaders are set to review and hopefully approve the permit later this month.
Assistant town planner, Donquetta Singleton, pointed out that upon approval, the pickleball enterprise could pop up anywhere within Carriage Crossing. The anticipated removal of the Bed Bath and Beyond sign and the introduction of this dynamic sport is a reflection of its increasing popularity. The city is showing signs of pickleball fever, with the game making appearances in shopping centers, parks, and standalone locations.
To adhere with the Carriage Crossing permit, Pickleball 901 is required to inform the town’s development department about any outdoor special events. For larger outdoor events accommodating over 250 people, or events that span multiple days or weekends and accumulate a total of 500 people within a year, an amendment to the permit will need to be requested.
Some concerns have been raised about the noise. As the vacant store is adjacent to Massage Envy, sound dampening measures will be implemented. “There is a USA Pickleball-approved paddle called a quiet paddle,” shared Adam Clay, the founder of Pickleball 901. “… Instead of a pop, it sounds like a poof.” Additional sound measures will be added if necessary, according to Clay.
Pickleball 901 had initially planned to open a permanent, membership-based club at Carriage Crossing. Although these plans didn’t pan out, Clay found success with pop-up events across the country, attracting people, courts, and programs. Now, the sports company plans to infuse the pop-up concept into its business plan, starting with a launch in Clay’s hometown of Collierville.
Clay said, “What if we just go into empty retail and do what we do?”. This approach eliminates the need for renovations or construction, making the entire process more streamlined. The business model is likened to a bowling alley. People can drop in, pay to play, and leave. No memberships needed. Soon, the echoes of pickleball could reverberate through once-empty retail spaces, bringing them back to life.