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[Photo of LA Kwik-E-Mart via Flickr/davidology]
Though the cartoon should have been retired years ago, people still have much love for The Simpsons. Junk-food chain 7-11 is hoping to cash in on that fan base with an interesting gimmick: they're reopening a few of their locations as "Kwik-E-Marts." Via a tipster, "The 7-11 on 42nd Street has been converted to Kwik-E-Mart for a month. They'll be selling Squishees, Krusty-O's cereal, and Buzz Cola (no Duff Beer though)." The temporary Simsons-ification is part of a marketing scheme to generate buzz for The Simpsons movie, which hits screens July 27th. Only twelve 7-11s are getting the makeover. According to AP, "For Fox and Gracie Films, the stunt is a cheap way to call attention to their movie, since 7-Eleven is bearing all the costs, which executives of the retail chain put at somewhere in the single millions. At 7-Eleven, they're hoping it shows the ubiquitous chain has a trait seen in few corporations -- the ability to laugh at themselves." And the ability to cater to nerds everywhere.
· 7-Elevens turn into 'Simpsons' Kwik-E-Marts [Variety]