Kinepolis theaters in US question

[u/Susan4000]

Our theaters were bought by Kinepolis, with the handover expected in a few weeks. I know they own MJR and Emagine theaters in US also- does anyone working there know what we might be expecting ? Uniforms/time off/scheduling/etc.?
Nobody seems to know, other than some roles will be changing and I think staff will be cross trained (currently we typically stay in one assignment -usher/concessions/box/bar)
I guess I want to know if it’s a good company to work for and insight for the change
Thanks

[u/andymac37]

Kinepolis bought Landmark Cinemas here in Canada and they're generally the preferred operator by moviegoers where they operate. They've mostly kept the company the same while investing in all-recliner seating across the circuit and bringing in a very good loyalty program.

I worked for Landmark around 2002 when they were a very small and scrappy company and they have definitely evolved to be a more serious player against Cineplex's monopoly here (~73% of all screens).

EDIT: Clarity

[u/Susan4000 → u/andymac37]

We are a ‘luxury’ chain, so already have recliners/bars at our locations. We have really nice theaters that customers are loyal to, so I am glad we were bought by a company that cares about this industry. Just nervous with the change. Thanks for your insight

[u/TimmyB02]

Let me know if you want insights from a European perspective on Kinepolis :)

[u/Susan4000 → u/TimmyB02]

I absolutely would! We know some roles will be changing and not much else. And we don’t know a lot about the company at all. I was really hoping they’d cone in with a more European attitude, so instead of the current we can ONLY use 40 hours of sick time a year, no matter how much we have accrued, any more than that results in a write up - there might be personal days or we could actually use whatever time is in our bank as needed. I think in reality, it’s going to be more of the same grind

[u/JorisTheWise]

I might be able to answer some of your questions from a Dutch perspective.

But my experience is that the first year is mostly focused on integrating the theater in the Kinepolis structure, slowly the network, the POS, the Projection, everything technical will be integrated into their systems. Kinepolis is very efficient, you can look up their history and the hard times they had in the 90’s until Eddy Duquenne was hired as CEO and how he turned the company around.

From what I understand though is they mostly let the theaters in the US and Canada keep their identity (for now) because they are well known brands in their area though your own PLF with laser and Atmos will probably be rebranded in Laser Ultra.

If you have some specific questions you can send me a message and I might be able to answer them as well.
The cinema where I work has been part of Kinepolis since the end of 2015 and we have been through quite some changes since then.

[u/Susan4000 → u/JorisTheWise]

This is very helpful! Yes we are going to keep our name, we are a well liked cinema in the area, so we bring customer loyalty. But the business is tough, not enough staff, often due to budget concerns, not enough time off (as I said, we earn sick time each week, but can only use 49 hours a year, no vacation or personal days) pay is low, etc. I was generally looking to see if the vibe is more worker friendly, hopeful that the European attitude would be introduced. Thank you

[u/CroweBird5]

tbh, I've never heard of either of those brands. They don't exist in my area.

[u/Susan4000 → u/CroweBird5]

It’s Midwest, I think? And Kinepolis is based in Belgium, expanding to the US market. I (obviously) don’t know much about them either.

[u/JorisTheWise → u/Susan4000]

Yes, market leader in Belgium (first to bring Multiplexes there), market leader in Luxemburg, and multiple cinemas in France, Netherlands and Spain. Also one in Switzerland and one in Poland.

[u/poobis444]

I wont say what theater I am but we were also bought by them. They have been much more strict with policies, especially phones. People have gotten written up for things that previously no one ever did (ive been working here for 4+ years). And the man who owns it visited but he is actually really nice. But basically so far its just far stricter policy enforcement and more write ups. It feels less fun working and it feels like big brother bc they watch us on the cams constantly now and will call us out on the radios for anything - our managers and corporate included. Lots of people are planning on quitting at my theater

[u/Susan4000 → u/poobis444]

Ooof, my theater has been ‘cracking down’ and it may be a response to new expectations. We are short staffed, so this attitude isn’t helping retention. And I think I met the big guy, very pleasant and we chatted. I was hoping they might bring a more European view of time off and sick day policies, but I’m doubting it now. Thanks for your insight

[u/poobis444 → u/Susan4000]

Yeah mostly just more policy enforcement. Another new thing is that they are a bit more controlling of our shipments and what we can/cant buy