Alex Taldren Goes to the Kwik-E-Mart

In news unrelated to video games, but very relevant to me, I managed to go to one of eleven Kwik-E-Marts open in the U.S.  As most people know and shame on those who don’t, twelve 7-Eleven convenience stores across the country morphed into Kwik-E-Marts as part of a promotion for the upcoming release of The Simpsons Movie. 

Now, I live in the cut-off and desolate hills of Western Maryland, but my girlfriend lives close to Washington D.C., home to the Bladensburg Kwik-E-Mart!When we first arrived in Bladensburg we stopped at the first 7-Elevens we saw, thinking that it was, or used to be, the Kwik-E-Mart.  Apparently, all 7-Elevens are carrying The Simpsons merchandise like the famous donut with sprinkles, Buzz Cola, and the infamous squishee.  Megan and I walked around the rather unimpressive inside, snapping pictures of the poorly converted 7-Eleven.  It wasn’t until one of the clerks noticed what we were doing and stopped us.  “The Kwik-E-Mart is the next 7-Eleven down the street.”  Embarrassed, we thanked her for not letting us make fools of ourselves too long before arriving at the “real” Kwik-E-Mart.  It was awesome! 

I’ve never been to a convenience store like this one.  All the employees had Kwik-E-Mart uniforms.  People were shuffling around inside, grabbing chili dogs, donuts, and six-packs of Buzz Cola.  Megan and I snagged a six-pack of Buzz, a box of Krusty-Os, two pink-frosted donuts with sprinkles, and a blue “Woo Hoo!” squishee.  There wasn’t a person in the entire store who wasn’t clutching until some kind of Simpsons memorabilia.The outside of the building was freshly painted yellow with darker lines to mimic drawn brick outlines.  The only thing that wasn’t so great was the replacement for the tall 7-Eleven sign, which appeared to have a white bag thrown over it that read Kwik-E-Mart. 

Overall, the best part of the trip was buying the merchandise.  The cashier totaled my stuff and I gave him the money.  He placed the money into the register, looked up at me and said, impressively, “Thank you, come again,” with a smirk.

Anyway, if you’re tired of reading about it, watch this little video I made with the pictures.  I choose a nice tune that fits the subject matter rather nicely.  Enjoy.