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Zippo to Open First U.S. Full-Line Retail Stores in Las Vegas

Zippo, one of the world’s most-recognized brands, is opening its first US-based retail stores at some of the Las Vegas Strip’s most iconic destinations, the Luxor Hotel and Casino in early May and the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino later this summer. 

After continuous success with their 14 concept store locations in China, Zippo is bringing the full retail concept to the United States.

The new store is a joint project of Zippo, its distributor in the travel retail market, Sourcing Network International (SNI), Luxor and MGM Grand. CITRA Inc., Zippo’s global Duty Free and Travel Retail representative, will be supervising this new endeavor.

“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,” said Mark Paup, Zippo Vice-president of Sales and Marketing. “Today, Zippo is more than lighters and has become a sought-after lifestyle brand. We are excited to work with these MGM properties and SNI to introduce a new array of products to a whole new audience.”

Brett Shannon, Luxor Director of Retail Operations, said, “We are pleased to add Zippo to our collection of retail options at Luxor, and look forward to working with both Zippo and SNI as we open the first store of its kind.” The new facility will be staffed and managed by Luxor’s retail division.

To help bring this iconic development to life, Zippo has partnered with (SNI), a distributor of high-value items to retail locations in casinos, airports, hotels, and other tourist destinations, to exclusively supply source Zippo product. Several of the products will be custom designs and exclusive to the new store.

Based in Bensalem, Pa., SNI services products to more than 150 American casinos. Under its agreement with Zippo, SNI is tasked with opening a Zippo concept store 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 is a name that conjures images of Americana, and its products are set apart by their authenticity and utility,” explained SNI CEO Todd Cohen. “This brand is definitely a great fit for the casino demographic. Our plan is to introduce Zippo products to as many casinos as possible. ” Sourcing Network International EVP Randall Cohen continued, “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.”

Zippo plans to feature the bulk of its expanding product line at the inaugural Luxor and MGM Grand retail stores, including windproof lighters and lighter products, apparel, bags, fragrances, and small leather goods.

The Luxor and MGM Grand locations are the first of three stores planned to open in Las Vegas in the coming year. Product offerings destined for future casinos will vary by location.

Zippo was founded in the fall of 1932 by George G. Blaisdell in Bradford, PA, where it has manufactured over 500 million windproof lighters. With the exception of improvements to the flint wheel and modifications in case finishes, the product remains unchanged and is backed by the company’s famous lifetime guarantee – “It works, or we fix it free.” Zippo’s diverse product line includes lighter accessories; butane candle lighters; watches, fragrance, and lifestyle accessories for men; and a robust line of heat and flame products for outdoor enthusiasts. Zippo markets in over 160 countries and also owns the Ronson brand of lighters and fuel and W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery Company, both based in Bradford, PA. For more information, visit Zippo.com.