Kwik-E-Mart

A 7-Eleven "Kwik-E-Mart" in Seattle in 2007, one of 12 stores temporarily converted so to promote The Simpsons Movie.

In July 2007, convenience store chain 7-Eleven converted 11 of its stores in the United States and one in Canada (Coquitlam) into Kwik-E-Marts to promote The Simpsons Movie. The concept was first visualized in 2006 by Fox's advertising agency, and the approximately 10 million dollar (US) cost of the promotion was borne by 7-Eleven.[7] Another part of the promotion was a contest where customers who purchased a slurpee or sandwich also received a coded game piece that could be entered into a website. The grand prize of the contest was to be animated into an episode of The Simpsons.[7] Prior to July, the promotion had long been known but the locations were kept a secret until the morning of July 1, when the 12 stores were made over with industrial foam, vinyl and Kwik-E-Mart signs.[8]

These 12 locations, as well as the majority of other North American 7-Elevens, sold products found in The Simpsons, such as "Buzz Cola", "Krusty-O's", "Squishees", pink frosted "Sprinklicious doughnuts" and other Simpsons-themed merchandise. The Squishees were Slurpees that are sold in special collector cups and the Krusty-O's were made by Malt-O-Meal.[8] Several other 7-Eleven items, such as sandwiches, were sold in Simpsons-themed packaging.[8] It was decided that Duff Beer would not be sold due to the movie being rated PG-13, and the promoters wanted to have "good, responsible fun," though it was noted that it was a tough decision.[8] However, a Duff Energy Drink was released in place of the Duff Beer.[9]

The promotion resulted in a 30% increase in profits for the changed 7-Eleven stores.[10] Many of the stores sold out of their special Simpsons products within a few days of the start of the promotion.[11] The conversions lasted through early August, when the stores were converted back to 7-Elevens.[12]

There was a mild controversy when the promotion offended members of the Indian-American community who felt that Apu is a caricature that plays on too many negative stereotypes. Despite this, 7-Eleven reported that many of its Indian employees have reacted positively to the idea,[7] although it was noted that it was "not a 100 percent endorsement."[8]

A Kwik-E-Mart at Universal Studios Florida

On October 17, 2007, a gift shop that was modeled after a Kwik-E-Mart was opened at Universal Studios Florida. One also opened at Universal Studios Hollywood at a later time.[13] They replaced the old Back to the Future gift shop[14] and supplement The Simpsons Ride, which opened in Spring 2008. The stores sell Simpsons-related merchandise like Flaming Moe's Energy Drinks[13] and Squishees.[15]

On August 17, 2018, a gift shop modeled after a Kwik-E-Mart opened at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The gift shop is placed at the exit of a 4D ride based on The Simpsons and is housed in a replica of The Aztec theatre from the series,[16] which opened in 2019.[17] The store sells Buzz Cola, Lard Lad Donuts, and Squishees along with merchandise from the show.[18]