The current pandemic is changing the future across all industries, and many companies are now making efforts to pivot to more tech-savvy innovations to maintain their business.
Walmart announced that they’ll be transforming 160 of its U.S. store parking lots into drive-in movie theaters by using their existing real estate to revive a classic way to view movies, according to Slash Gear.
Starting in August at select Walmart stores, we’re partnering with @Tribeca and rolling out the red carpet for drive-in movie premieres, complete with car-side 🍿and 🥤service. Stay tuned for more details. See you at the movies! https://t.co/JfUPB6QK8C pic.twitter.com/t4Enk8aYzL
— Walmart (@Walmart) July 1, 2020
The innovative idea was announced via a special website where Walmart broke the news.
The new pivot is scheduled to begin next month in partnership with Tribeca Enterprises — the Robert De Niro-backed media company — to program the films, according to Walmart, which will continue to encourage safe social distancing.
“Drive-ins have been a signature program for Tribeca since we started the Tribeca Film Festival 19 years ago after 9/11,” Tribeca Enterprises and Tribeca Film Festival co-founder and CEO, Jane Rosenthal, said in a statement, The Hollywood Reporter reports. “But now, the Tribeca Drive-In is much more than a fun, retro way to see movies — it’s one of the safest ways for communities to gather. We are thrilled to partner with Walmart to bring more people together around the shared cinematic experiences that Tribeca is known for.”
Walmart and Tribeca’s new initiative follows after a smaller scale of initiatives were put in place as safe alternatives to indoor experiences.
“This family-friendly night will include hit movies, special appearances from filmmakers and celebrities, and concessions delivered right to customer vehicles,” Walmart said in a press release, CNN reports.
Walmart plans to use nearby physical stores to allow people to use its curbside pickup for food and drive-in essentials, according to CNN.
Drive-in screenings will run from August through October 2020.
Locations and movie titles will be revealed at a later date here.