Shares of AMC soared nearly 1,200% last year while the stocks of rivals Cinemark, IMAX and UK-based Regal and United Artists owner Cineworld all fell.īut it’s a different story this year. They appreciate that Aron is thinking outside the (popcorn) box. These are some of the reasons why investors, particularly meme stock fans on Reddit, have fallen in love with AMC.

AMC is even thinking about launching its own cryptocurrency.Īron added that the theater chain is “in conversation with multiple major Hollywood studios about the concept of joint venturing commemorative NFTs related to major film titles that show in our theaters.” “This is the 21st century after all, and it would seem that there may be a real opportunity for AMC in these areas,” Aron said.Īron noted that the company is looking into partnerships that would let it accept cryptocurrencies as payment for movie tickets and concession stand items.

In addition to its popcorn plans, the company also announced in November that it hopes to profit from strong demand for cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the digital assets which have taken the collectibles world by storm. More to AMC than big screens at the multiplexĪMC, to its credit, is trying to adapt to this new reality.

In some respects, it’s an admission that the movie industry has fundamentally changed.Īlthough viewers are still willing to go out to see big blockbusters like “Spider-Man: No Way Home” in theaters, the combination of the pandemic and an abundance of streaming options have led to a change in consumer habits. CEO Adam Aron told investors on AMC’s earnings conference call that month that the company planned to open up popcorn kiosks at retailers this year to take advantage of the fact that “we have terrific long-standing business relationships with the biggest and best mall operators around.”Īron added that AMC was in discussions to start selling an AMC-branded line of microwave popcorn and also partner with food delivery services to make its popcorn a take-out option.ĪMC said in an email to CNN Business it had no further comment about the Copaken hiring or plans to expand its popcorn business.īut AMC’s decision to go all-in on popcorn outside the theater is a bold call.

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