7-Eleven / Kwik-E-Mart Makeover

(Sandy & I sipping squishies outside the Kwik-E-Mart)

In probably the best advertising move I've ever seen, select 7-Elevens are making themselves over to be Kwik-E-Marts to promote the upcoming Simpsons movie. They are decorated with Simpsons characters, sell Simpsons-specific items like Krusty-Os and Buzz Cola, and even have Frostilicus in the freezer! I found out that there's one in Burbank, so I had to go (there's a locater page to find one near you). When we got there they were out of Krusty-Os, but we got a couple Squishies and a can of Buzz cola. And pictures. Sweet!

What I really love about this makeover is how well it was done. It's not like McDonald's Shrek 3 tie-in where they had some movie-themed products; they went all-out. Not only is the entire store repainted, re-signed, and redecorated, they did their best to make it appear like the real Kwik-E-Mart. The characters were a bit much, but the signs were things that Apu (& others) have said, and are all in context. Whomever designed this makeover really knew Simpsons and cared that it was done well. Kudos and props to those people. It really gives me hope that the movie might rise above the past 10 years of downhill sliding the series has done.