No second reel: Blockbuster to close remaining stores, end DVD service

The company will close about 300 U.S.-based retail stores

DISH Network announced today that its subsidiary, Blockbuster L.L.C., will end its retail and by-mail DVD distribution operations by early January 2014.

The company will close about 300 remaining U.S.-based retail stores, as well as its distribution centers. The Blockbuster By Mail DVD service will be shuttered by mid-December.

Blockbuster will be shuttering its retail business and DVD by mail distribution early next year.

"This is not an easy decision, yet consumer demand is clearly moving to digital distribution of video entertainment," DISH CEO Joseph Clayton said in a statement.

Despite the closing of the physical distribution end of the business, DISH continues to see value in the Blockbuster brand, Clayton added, saying "we expect to leverage that brand as we continue to expand our digital offerings."

Over the past 18 months, Blockbuster has divested itself of all U.S. and international assets. DISH said it will continue to support Blockbuster's domestic and international franchise operations, relationships and agreements.

Lucas Mearian covers consumer data storage, consumerization of IT, mobile device management, renewable energy, telematics/car tech and entertainment tech for Computerworld. Follow Lucas on Twitter at @lucasmearian or subscribe to Lucas's RSS feed. His e-mail address is lmearian@computerworld.com.

See more by Lucas Mearian on Computerworld.com.

Read more about personal technology in Computerworld's Personal Technology Topic Center.

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags twitterconsumer electronicsBlockbusterPersonal Technology

More about BlockbusterTechnologyTopic

Show Comments
[]