“Our partnership with Cinemark gives us the opportunity to reach even more Slurpee fans,” says 7-Eleven spokesperson.
7-Eleven Inc. and Cinemark USA Inc. are partnering to bring Slurpee drinks to the movies, offering the convenience retailer’s iconic beverage at 32 select Cinemark theatres in Dallas, Houston and Portland.
7-Eleven has stores in Dallas and Portland; it does not have locations in Houston.
Starting this week, movie-goers at participating Cinemark theatres can pour themselves a frozen Slurpee drink before settling in for the show. This marks the first time Slurpee beverages have been sold at outlets other than a 7-Eleven store with the exception of a test at a Dallas sports arena.
The move by the two Dallas-based companies brings Slurpee drinks to the movie-viewing public. Cinemark theatres will have three Slurpee flavors provided by Coca-Cola in both crew-serve and self-serve settings.
Slurpee enthusiasts can now participate in the Slurpee Rewards program when they buy the drink at either 7-Eleven stores or Cinemark and get points for buying a Slurpee, which they can redeem for special rewards on Slurpee.com, including movie passes from Cinemark.
For years, 7-Eleven Inc. has brought the movies, particularly major summer releases, into its stores with 3D images on Slurpee and Big Gulp cups, movie action-figure straws, exclusive products, and special offers and displays.
“Our research and past promotional successes show that movie fans love Slurpees, and Slurpee fans love movies,” said Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, 7-Eleven senior vice president of merchandising, logistics and marketing. “Our partnership with Cinemark gives us the opportunity to reach even more Slurpee fans by bringing the drink to them. The only thing better than watching the latest hit movie – especially for Slurpee-lovers – is watching it while sipping on a Slurpee drink.”
“At Cinemark, our main focus is to create the best movie-going environment possible for our customers,” said Bob Shimmin, Cinemark’s vice president of food and beverage. “We believe that offering the finest food and beverage options actually enhances the entertainment experience. By teaming up with 7-Eleven on this initiative, our customers can enjoy ice-cold Slurpee drinks while watching the hottest blockbuster movies in select Cinemark theatres this summer.”
Delgado-Jenkins said he thinks the new venue will attract new customers to visit 7-Eleven stores. Offering Slurpee drinks in an area without 7-Eleven stores provides a taste of the retailer to people who wouldn’t be able to enjoy the drink otherwise.
7-Eleven Inc. operates, franchises or licenses more than 8,600 7-Eleven stores in North America.