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November 22, 2008 2:45:50 AM CST

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Slumping Popcorn Sales Will Pop Ticket Prices

Posted May 20, 08 6:49 AM CDT in Arts & Living,  Business 

(Newser) – Movie tickets have long been partly subsidized by popcorn sales, but that business model is set to pop as the price of corn soars, Advertising Age reports. As moviegoers pass up the pricey snack, cinemas will need to hike ticket charges to cover the difference. One expert on the movie biz thinks ticket prices could climb as much as 30% this year.

 

Source Advertising Age

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Movie theaters rely on patrons munching their way through plenty of popcorn and other stacks to keep ticket prices down, but that may change as popcorn hits $6 per bag.   (Getty Images)
The demand for ethanol is sending the price of popcorn sky-high, and moviegoers will soon be seeing that reflected in ticket prices.   (Getty Images)
Concession sales count for up to 40% of revenue at many theaters. As commodity price hikes hit the popcorn stand, that is likely to fall and put some cinemas in financial trouble.   (Shutter Stock)
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commodities • corn • movie theaters • cinema • popcorn


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