AMC to install more reclining seats, bars and big screens
Better-than-expected operating results at its remodeled movie theaters have prompted AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. to ramp up its capital expenditure plans for this year.
The Leawood-based company said it will spend $39 million more than initially planned on its “customer experience initiatives.” That means adding more reclining seats, MacGuffins bars and Imax screens in existing AMC theaters.
Total capital spending for 2014 will be between $265 million and $285 million before expected contributions from theater landlords totaling $35 million to $55 million, the company said.
AMC has an ongoing program to improve food and beverage service and install upgraded light and sound systems in its theaters. It had announced a $600 million reseating investment in December.
As of the end of June, the company had put new reclining seats in 44 locations with 505 screens, as well as 74 MacGuffins and 148 Imax screens.
AMC chief executive Gerry Lopez said recliner seats have proved popular with customers, so the company is “hitting the accelerator on what our guests have told us works.”
In the second quarter this year, AMC said, admission revenues per screen jumped 33 percent at its 44 reseated locations.
The company operates 4,968 screens in 342 locations overall.
To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send email to stafford@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published September 19, 2014 at 3:46 PM with the headline "AMC to install more reclining seats, bars and big screens."