The first-ever, real-life Kwik-E-Mart, a convenience store prominently featured in the hit TV show The Simpsons, opened on Friday in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The store includes some easily-recognizable items for the diehard Simpsons fan, such as Duff non-alcoholic energy drinks, Squishees, Lard Lad Donuts, and more.
"This is the first, world's first authentic Kwik-E-Mart. Every inch of this store is themed, including bringing products to life," Mark Cornell, senior vice president of attractions development with simEx-Iwerks Entertainment, toldWMBF News. "The products that are on the show, you can actually come and experience in the store first hand. Sort of like getting a taste of the show." Back in 2007, 7-Eleven converted a few of their chains into small-scale versions of the convenience store as a way of promoting the release of The Simpsons Movie. This newly-opened Kwik-E-Mart offers fans a much more immersive experience that allows them to see (and even taste) what it would be like to actually live in Springfield.
Later this year, the Aztec Theater, based on the cinema in the Simpsons' fictitious city, will be opened next door to the Kwik-E-Mart. The theater will have a 4D movie experience.
