Adam Aron, AMC's chief executive, stated today that AMC is looking into how it can accept Shiba Inu along with other cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and Dogecoin. AMC is also exploring its own cryptocurrency which could help cement their position as the king of memestocks.
It's not surprising that AMC is flirting with the idea to accept (another) meme currency for actual goods or services. AMC was saved by meme stock Reddit traders mid-way through the pandemic, and Aron has been closely watching the company's relationship to these shareholders since then. It's not surprising that AMC has spoken out about its crypto ambitions during shareholder meetings.
Aron posted a Twitter poll asking his followers if the company should expand the list of cryptocurrencies that can be used for AMC gift cards via BitPay. Aron stated that the company's IT group was writing code to allow online payments in Bitcoin and Ethereum. He also asked if the list should be expanded to Shiba Inu. Shiba Inu is a meme coin response for Dogecoin. Unsurprisingly, the overwhelming response was yes, given the company's shareholder base.
AMC previously stated that it would accept Bitcoin to pay concessions. Aron also said that AMC is well on its way to achieving that goal during this week's shareholder meeting. Aron also stated that AMC is currently examining ways it can improve the way it accepts cryptocurrency, including possibly launching its own or partnering with theaters to offer NFTs for blockbuster movie premieres.
Aron stated that they have been discussing with third parties the possibility of accepting cryptocurrency, and whether it would be feasible for AMC even to launch their own cryptocurrency. "I can also confirm that we are currently in discussion with several major Hollywood studios regarding the idea of joint venture commemorative NFTs related major film titles shown in our theaters."
Aron stated that some of these talks were "preliminary" and added that regulatory factors could have an impact on its strategies. The AMC boss was open to answering questions about Shiba Inu's inclusion in the cryptocurrency fold.
Aron stated that "there's been a tidal surge of inbound messages to our company and to me personally that we should get much more active within the sphere cryptocurrency and that there was real potential for AMC." The company announced its intention to accept Bitcoin payments by the end of this year. However, meme stonk shareholders flooded Aron’s DMs to express their interest in other cryptocurrencies such as Dogecoin or Shiba Inu.
The company is currently on track to accept Bitcoin and Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash by the end of next year. Aron stated that the company expects to be able accept Dogecoin in the first quarter next year. Shiba Inu is, however, "the next one to our cryptocurrency hit parade."
