Wednesday, December 28, 2005

Netflix causing Blockbuster stores to close?

Netflix might be responsible for driving a Blockbuster Video store out of business in Tribeca.
"Tribeca movie renters will have one less option in 2006, as Blockbuster Express prepares to close its doors in January.

“The rent is just too high, and the location has not been profitable,” said Karen Raskopf, spokesperson for Blockbuster. “That particular store did not have enough traffic to stay open.”

“We look at online renting as an opportunity for us, and a growing area, not a threat,” she said. “More than 40 percent of online renters continue to rent in-store.”

She did say some stores would close around the country and fewer new ones would open.

Blockbuster Express, located in Tribeca for just over a year, will close its doors on Sunday Jan.22.

Via Downtown Express

TriBeCa is a neighborhood in Manhattan (New York City, USA). The name stands for the "Triangle Below Canal Street." It runs roughly from Canal Street south to Park Place, and from the Hudson River east to Broadway.

2 comments:

  1. I don't think so. I haven't been a frequent Blockbuster user since my children lived at home. I started using Blockbuster more frequently since I joined Blockbuster Online. If it wasn't for the free in-store coupons I wouldn't have a reason for setting foot in their store. In fact, all of the video rentals in my area have a sparse selection of anime (what I rent). I think the decline in Blockbuster's brick and mortar operation has to do with the economy. I live in the Detroit area which has suffered due to a decline in the American auto industry. My closest Blockbuster on 8 Mile Road closed recently. Further down the road an entire shopping plaza is almost abandoned. The shopping plaza's business left in the following order:

    Builder's Square
    Toys R Us
    Farmer Jack's Grocery Store
    Target
    Big Lots

    There isn't much left there now. Our closest mall emptied out years ago. All that's left is a Value City. Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation. I guess I'm lucky to have a job.

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  2. It's a good thing you're in a line of work that will never go out of business! I appreciate what you do.

    ReplyDelete