By Alice Seeley
The world’s largest movie theater chain AMC Entertainment has bought seven Bow Tie Cinemas locations, with five in Connecticut, one in upstate New York, and one in Annapolis, MD. Through this deal, AMC has acquired 66 new movie screens.
The five Connecticut locations will double AMC’s overall presence in the state. AMC stated it “remains in active discussions with other property owners regarding additional locations” and plans to retain all of the workers at those locations, the company stated in a press release.
AMC Entertainment CEO Adam Aron stated the “theater acquisition strategy makes AMC a better and stronger company as we move forward on our glide path to recovery.”
The seven locations, which will temporarily close for two weeks starting on April 17 for AMC to convert to the locations, will open up near the end of April. Bow Tie customers will be encouraged to sign up for the AMC Stubs loyalty program as the Bow Tie loyalty program ends.
After reopening, the former Bow Tie locations will have AMC signage and offer AMC-branded formats and food and drink products. The locations will offer recliner seating and Coca-Cola Freestyle machines with more than 100 choices and free refills. In addition to all the improvements, the Bow Tie locations that previously sold alcohol will continue to offer wine, beer, and liquor and be rebranded under AMC’s MacGuffins brand.
The seven Bow Tie locations are the latest locations to be added to the AMC circuit. Recently, AMC bought additional locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. AMC is currently attempting to enter the Luxury Entertainment Center business and add more locations. Today, AMC Entertainment owns 950 theaters and 10,500 screens across the world. After the company’s announcement, AMC Entertainment’s stock increased by 3% on Wednesday afternoon.
