Latest film partnership showcases franchisees’ support for local professionals

In recent years, Mail Boxes Etc. UK has earned a reputation as an enthusiastic supporter of major movie releases, promoting the latest blockbusters through its considerable high-street estate of over 150 stores, as well as its digital and social channels.

To celebrate the release of Men in Black™: International, only at cinemas, MBE are running a partnership campaign until July. The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe.  In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest threat to date: a mole in the Men in Black organisation. The film is mostly set in London, but the agents’ mission takes them to a host of international locations all over the world.

In its associated marketing campaign, MBE harnesses the impact of the universe-saving Men in Black agents to emphasise the services its franchisees offer to help save busy professionals time and ensure they always make a good impression.

“Many of our business customers think of their local MBE as a back-up team – providing the essential services a small business needs to thrive and grow,” explains James Simmons, MBE’s marketing manager.  “It’s no great stretch of the imagination to see our franchisees as trusted agents, dedicated to saving the day for our business customers – no job too large or too small, and no deadline too tight. We’ve had a lot of fun putting this campaign together, and our franchisees are keen to get involved.”

The emphasis is on ‘smarter’ print and ‘universal’ parcel delivery, punning on the film’s themes to promote two of MBE’s key services. As well as striking window and store displays, there’s a prize draw competition to win a family holiday to exotic Marrakesh – one of the locations where the film is set.  The prize includes flights, tours and dinner in one of the city’s best restaurants.  Entry requires a purchase, so footfall is set to increase.  

Once inside the stores, customers will be wowed with a range of promotional items that showcase MBE’s print and international parcel delivery capabilities to perfection, including life-size standees of the main characters, Agent H and Agent M.  Of course, they’re resplendent in their classic black suits and hero-defining shades.

No promotion would be complete without giveaways, and the Men in Black™: International, only at cinemas, campaign presents the perfect opportunity for some beautifully printed goodies, including a ‘mission dossier’ A5 notebook with 450gsm, soft-touch laminated and Scodix digital embossed covers, and an A3 desk jotter which works as well in the office as at home.

Meanwhile, the in-store ‘agents’ themselves haven’t been left out.  Franchisees have premium quality Men In Black™: International/MBE branded business cards that will help them get noticed at networking events, as well as demonstrating just how effective a great business card can be.

“I love these giveaways,” says James Simmons.  “Business stationery need not be boring.  Our colour-saturated black ink creates a depth and richness on both the notebook and the business cards that exemplifies MBE’s innovative approach to design as well as our premium quality print.”

At MBE Nottingham, Michael Allen and his colleagues have jumped right into the spirit of Men in Black™: International, donning their shades and posing with the life-size standees.  “We really enjoyed having a bit of fun with the promotional kit when it arrived,” he says.

The store is in the city’s business district, and the team is making sure that all customers have the opportunity to enter the prize draw – whether they are purchasing in-store, online or via monthly account. “It’s a great talking point with customers.  The giveaways are great quality – people love the notebooks – and unsurprisingly we’re getting a lot of interest in the trip to Marrakesh.”

Customers can enter the prize draw online at mbe.co.uk/MIB. Terms and conditions apply.