AMC Entertainment, Walmart Partner for Retail Popcorn Business – The Hollywood Reporter

AMC Theaters has found a partner for its new retail popcorn business: Walmart.

The super-cinema circuit’s new line of microwave and instant popcorn products will launch exclusively at select Walmart stores on March 11. Next month, AMC Perfectly Popcorn varieties will be available. on the shelves of more than 2,600 Walmart and walmart .com locations.

According to AMC, a pack of six microwave ovens is expected to retail for $4.98 plus tax. Instant popcorn, available in 4.2-ounce to 5.2-ounce bags, is expected to retail for $3.98.

AMC Theaters, the largest movie theater chain in the United States and the world, first announced plans to diversify into the retail popcorn business in November 2021. The initiative aims to create a a new revenue stream as movie theaters recover from the COVID-19 crisis and compete with changing consumer habits in the streaming age.

In Tuesday’s statement announcing the deal with Walmart, AMC President and CEO Adam Aron said the company is making good on its promises.

“On March 11, the weekend of the Oscars, we’ll be entering the multi-billion dollar popcorn retail industry with home popcorn that’s authentically flavored with theatrical popcorn. real movies,” said Aron. “We are especially excited that we are doing so in an exclusive launch with Walmart, the largest retailer in the United States.”

After launching exclusively at Walmart locations this spring, AMC hopes to expand distribution channels for its new line of popcorn.