While in NYC a couple weeks ago, Kate and I headed down to 42nd Street to check out the Manhattan Kwik-E Mart. Rumor on the streets was that the Radioactive Man comics were supposed to be arriving soon be we ended up leaving with just some Krusty-O’s and a Squishee. Craig stopped by a Kwik-E Mart in So Cal and shot a bunch of pics too. Without running the risk of being repetitive, check out his words below. Oh.. anyone know where/how I can get a standup Ralph Wiggum? He’d make a great mascot.
Thanks Logan, Kristen, and Clif for the NYC’s finest pic….priceless.
It is rare that a cartoon will come to life. But it has been a long time coming for the release of The Simpson’s Movie, some 400 episodes to be approximate. But in this day and age of gimmicky marketing, this one is a diamond in the rough. I had no intention of going out of my way to check out this marketing ploy, but on way home from a friend’s house in Venice, I happened by it at 2 in the morning at the corner of Sepulveda and Venice.
Part of the marketing strategy for The Simpson’s Movie was to convert selected 7-11 stores into “Kwik-E Marts”. Not only did they change the signage, but also put up yellow facades in front of the walls. Quite a sight to see. Not only because there is actually a “Kwik-E” Mart, but the line of people waiting to get in. Since I had my camera with me I figure I would wait the 15 minutes and get some shots and a cherry Squishee.
I get in and am instantly overwhelmed by all the Simpson’s merchandizing. From talking pizza cutters and beer openers to bobble head dolls. I guess these are things no hard-core Simpson’s fan can live without. They had plastic cut-outs of the characters scattered throughout the store. My shots kept getting interrupted by people with their camera phones posing with the characters.
They even had Homer’s favorite pink doughnuts with sprinklesMmmmm sprinkles. As I made my way to Squishee machine for that once-in-lifetime sumptuous cherry Squishee, I was denied. It was out of order. There must have been quite a run on Squishees from people with the same idea. So I left disappointed, with my Squishee desire left unsated. But if you happen to be in the area and have that Squishee jones I just might be worth your time to stop in and visit Apu.
The Simpson’s Movie is in theaters tomorrow, July 27.
Matt Groening, along with others involved in the creation of the Simpsons and Futurama will be at San Diego comic-con this Saturday, as will we. If you’re in San Diego this weekend look out for free ice cream.
