Zippo, the US maker of the windproof pocket lighter and allied lifestyle products, has opened its third US-based retail store at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
The new store is a joint project of Zippo; its distributor in the travel retail market, Sourcing Network International (SNI); Luxor Hotel and Casino; and MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. CITRA Inc, Zippo’s global duty free and travel retail representative, will be supervising this latest endeavour.
The 31 October opening follows the opening of two other stores earlier this year, at Luxor Hotel and Casino and the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Zippo’s three retail locations are the only US-based stores for the brand after the success of 14 concept store locations in China.
By the end of 2015, Zippo estimates that it could have as many as six retail locations operating in Las Vegas.
The three retail stores feature the majority of Zippo’s expanding product line, including windproof lighters and lighter products, apparel, bags, fragrances, and small leather goods. Product offerings destined for future casinos will vary by location, the brand said.
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Zippo will have as many as six retail locations operating in Las Vegas by end 2015 |
SNI, which services over 150 American casinos, will exclusively source Zippo products, several of which will be custom designs and exclusive to the new stores.
Under its agreement with Zippo, SNI is tasked with opening Zippo concept stores or securing product displays in as many of the 150 partner locations as possible. Zippo’s presence in each chosen casino will range from the size of one display case to an entire store section. In some cases, SNI will station its own personnel for sales support.
Zippo Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mark Paup said: “Casinos represent an untouched, yet promising retail medium for Zippo, especially considering that Zippo windproof lighters in the luck and gambling category are perennial best sellers. Today, Zippo is more than lighters and has become a sought-after lifestyle brand. We are excited to work with these MGM Resorts International properties and SNI to introduce a new array of products to a whole new audience.”
SNI Chief Executive Officer Todd Cohen said: “Zippo is a name that conjures images of Americana, and its products are set apart by their authenticity and utility. This brand is definitely a great fit for the casino demographic. Our plan is to introduce Zippo products to as many casinos as possible.”
SNI Executive Vice President Randall Cohen added: “We are truly excited to be working with Zippo, a true American icon, and are confident that their new Zippo-branded lifestyle line of accessories will be a sure hit throughout gaming retail.”
