LAKELAND, Fla. – Online pilot supply retailer PilotMall.com is relocating its operations to the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (LAL), on the SUN ’n FUN campus.
“Pilot Mall has been a major SUN ’n FUN sponsor for years. We established our new Aviation Superstore there in 2009,” said Pilot Mall president Neil Glazer. “More recently, we’ve been handling their theme merchandise development and retailing.
“Now as business growth demands larger quarters, we’ll be a permanent part of expanding year-round aviation activity at SUN ’n FUN,” said Glazer.
“We welcome Pilot Mall to its new home in our little corner of aviation,” said John “Lites” Leenhouts, SUN ‘n FUN president.
“Pilot Mall joins the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, FAA Safety Team National Resource Center, the Seaplane Pilots Association and Civil Air Patrol Florida Wing headquarters, the Central Florida Pilots Association, Lakeland Aero Club and four flight schools – all of which make SUN ’n FUN a year ‘round destination for aviation education, inspiration and fun.”
Pilot Mall has been based at Al Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida, since moving to GA’s second busiest state in 2005. Now, offices and warehousing will be at Pilot Mall’s Aviation Superstore at SUN ’n FUN. (A small retail pilot shop will remain at Al Whitted Airport.)
From a start-up direct-to-consumer Internet retailer and small pilot shop in New York’s Hudson Valley, Pilot Mall, Inc. has become a player amid pilot supply houses traditionally focused on catalog sales or small retail outlets at airports.
The move will be complete by June 1. Thereafter, Pilot Mall’s new home base will be 4175 Medulla Road, Lakeland, Florida 33811. A Grand Opening Fly-In/Open House is planned on June 15 for Father’s Day shopping.
“Even Bubba’s excited,” chuckled Glazer. (Bubba the Office Dog grants his “Bubba-Tested Paw of Approval” to Pilot Mall’s frequent discounts.) “We all love it out there.”
