Roller rink coming to vacant store space in Ontario mall

When a door closes, a window opens–even if it’s for a limited time only.

Recently, a Toronto-based company announced that it’ll temporarily take over vacant store space in a busy Burlington mall and set up a roller rink.

SUSO Skate Co., a pop-up roller rink business, transforms empty retail spaces into fun community destinations. Founded by husband-and-wife team Henry O’Brien and Janine Bartels in 2021, the pop-up, which started at The Bentway in Toronto, has expanded across the GTA, taking over stores at Bramalea City Centre, Oshawa Centre, Cambridge Centre, Promenade Shopping Centre, CF Shops at Don Mills and Cloverdale Mall.

Oshawa Centre

Recently, SUSO said it’s bringing a rink to the former Decathlon store in Mapleview Shopping Centre (900 Maple Ave).

French sporting goods retailer Decathlon closed all five of its stores in the GTA last year.

A SUSO pop-up at the Oshawa Centre will close soon, with the last skate scheduled for Jan. 25. After that, the Mapleview pop-up will open on Feb. 12, and people can book now, O’Brien told YourCityWithin.

In an update on Feb. 10, O’Brien said there is a delay in getting a permit from the City of Burlington.

They “hope to open in the coming weeks,” O’Brien said.

Much like an old-school roller rink, the pop-ups use colourful lighting and music to create the vibe. There are theme nights, including Soca Saturday, Seventies Sunday, and Walkman Wednesday.

“Our mission is a simple one – get people active and having fun with friends and family, while reducing the amount of time they spend on their digital devices,” SUSO says on their website.

To date, their pop-ups have welcomed in excess of 100,000 skaters, according to O’Brien.

The Bentway in Toronto

He also said SUSO has launched a mobile skate van that works with BIAs and municipal recreation departments to bring free skate rentals to communities across southern Ontario.

The new pop-up in Burlington will be open Wednesday through Sunday, with hours for all ages and adults.

Adult admission with skate rental starts at $18; other membership options are available for frequent skaters. Skaters can also inquire about private events.

For more information, click here.

Photos: SUSO Skate Co.

With files from Karen Longwell, YourCityWithIN.com