Marvel trumpets return to 7-Eleven stores

At The Beat, Heidi MacDonald reports on Marvel's announcement that its comics will again be distributed in 7-Eleven stores, instantly triggering childhood memories of spinner racks and Slurpees in a generation of comic readers.

Peter Cuneo told investors yesterday that Marvel's books will be in some 6,000 7-Eleven stores, effectively doubling its number of sales outlets. No further details on the deal were provided.

According to the 7-Eleven corporate website, "5,800 7-Eleven and other convenience stores are operated and franchised in the United States and Canada," accounting for some 6 million customers each day.

Heidi also reports that after a 50-store test, Marvel comics also will be going into more than 300 Barnes & Noble bookstores.