BATMANIA

Taco Bell reports that a promotional tie-in with “Batman” has shattered sales records in its first week. In Los Angeles, where the promotion was introduced, company officials estimate that nearly 50% of all customers are buying a 32-ounce soft drink to get a Batman cup. “The objective of the promotion was to increase sales, but I don’t believe that anyone expected the kind of response we’ve had,” said Tim Ryan, senior vice president of marketing for Taco Bell. The company estimates that nearly 20 million cups will be given away by the time the nationwide promotion ends in August.