Claw Machine Arcade in Troy Aims to Make Every Player a Winner

Detroit Klaws held a grand opening on Dec. 5 at 758 West Big Beaver Road in Troy. This arcade features only claw machines. It represents at least the second standalone clawcade to open in Metro Detroit this year.

Co-founders Koothy and David Pian brought together their backgrounds in hospitality, operations management, finance, and business strategy to launch this venture.

The facility offers different ways to play. Kinetic stepping machines let players earn points. "Mystery Klaws" grab gashapon eggs with different color keys to unlock toys outside of the machine.

Prizes include kawaii plushies, local sports team and university gear, and items from Pokemon, Hello Kitty, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and more. Players can take home prizes right away or save tickets from multiple visits to earn larger prizes.

"Some people may think a claw machine arcade is a money trap. That's not what we are doing at Detroit Klaws," said Koothy Pian, according to the Detroit Free Press. "Our goal is to make sure everybody has fun, and we want to make sure nobody leaves empty-handed."

The target audience includes preteens, teens, and young adults, though smaller machines serve younger kids. The Pians have three young children and want the space to help kids learn patience, saving, and money management through saving tickets for bigger rewards.

Ed Timke, an assistant professor at Michigan State University's Department of Advertising and Public Relations, said the positive reinforcement of winning toys sets clawcades apart from traditional arcades. Claw machines became popular in the U.S. in the 1920s. The first patented version was the Erie Digger, modeled after steam shovels that dug the Erie Canal in New York.

On Dec. 13, the arcade will host "Klaws for a Kause — The St. Jude Day" with proceeds going to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In-store donations can be made year-round.

Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The arcade is closed Mondays.