Jump to full article: Promo Magazine, 1998-07-01
Author: Ken Magill
Intro: Brad Burmaster recalls the day two RJ Reynolds sales reps visited the construction site of his new store, Light House, in suburban Chicago. The hardwood floor was in; the shelves were being delivered. Displays appeared as elaborate mini-stores for Camel, Winston, Doral - all RJR brands.
Their eyes fairly popped out as the reps asked, "How did a little Mom & Pop tobacco store get the company to do all this?"
Burmaster laughed. "I may look like a Mom & Pop, but I've got a $4 billion company behind me," he told the reps, and introduced himself as vp-new business and retail development for Clark Marketing & Refining.
Soon enough, the Mom & Pops - and bars next door - will have the $70 billion tobacco industry behind them as marketing restrictions drive tobacco promotions into adult-only venues.
Light House is the brainchild of Glen Ellyn, IL-based Clark, whose 800 gas station/convenience stores make it an important outlet for tobacco . . .
Philip Morris will tie its current Party at the Marlboro Ranch sweepstakes into Bar Nights, with instant winners picked from consumers who enter in the bar that night.
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