Nothing sells The Simpsons better than an actual Kwik-E-Mart. Yes, Springfield’s favorite convenience store is now open for business full time at Universal Studios. The Kwik-E-Mart was originally part of a marketing makeover of a dozen 7-Elevens in conjunction with the opening of The Simpsons Movie last summer.
The new Universal Studios Kwik-E-Mart, which formally opened last October 17 is the perfect one stop shop for all things Simpsons, especially Bart and Homer.
Built in the image and likeness of the animated show’s favorite go-to store for supplies and fixes, the Kwik-E-Mart in Universal Studios offers standard collectible merchandise such as T-shirts, books, CDs, action figures, refrigerator magnets, holiday dolls and ornaments. Of course, there are also more unique and unusual fare such as oversized Pez dispensers and an Etch A Sketch that looks like the top half of Homer’s head, with the eyes serving as controls for the stylus. There is also a Ned Flanders bobblehead and a Dancin’ Macho Man Homer that moves to a swingy dance beat wearing nothing but a towel.
The new Kwik-E-Mart also comes well stocked with alcohol-related products like a set of shot glasses, tall hats resembling beer mugs and Duff-branded shirts and glasses that are all reflective of Homer’s signature favorite indulgence, Duff Beer.
The store is situated in the World Expo area, housed in the structure that formerly sold Back to the Future items. It awaits the completion of the new Simpsons ride which is basically a Springfield-centric re-theming of the old Back to the Future thrill simulator, scheduled for spring of next year.
In the meantime, with very Simpson-esque ads for products such as Krusty Non-Narkotik Kough Syrup for Kids or Dry Diapers (Won’t leak for at least a week.) and signages announcing Buy 3 for the Price of 3, the Universal Studios Kwik-E-Mart gives a realistic slice of The Simpsons in Orlando, Florida.
-Rosario Santiago, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Orlando Sentinel
(Image Courtesy of ioacentral.com)
Staff Columnist, BuddyTV
