Are all Blockbuster stores closing?

[Bizarro Amy]

It seems like most, if not all, of the Blockbuster video stores around here are going out of business. We were checking out their closeout sales, but the deals weren't that impressive. I guess they're just trying to make as much as possible before they really start slashing prices. I was able to pick up a few things for a decent price, but the one thing I was really interested in - a DVD of the "Droids" cartoon was too scratched to bother with. I checked, but there were no EMCE figures sitting around either.
What really got me is that they were discounting all their video games, but they were selling the artwork/instruction books separately.

[The Bat]

Not just Blockbuster...all my Local Movie Gallery Video Stores have closed. But People like me are part of the Problem...I signed up for Netflix...and I LOVE IT! I can watch Moves & TV shows 3 different ways...on my Computer, through my PS3 on my 65" TV...or through the Mail(I get a DVD every 3 Days)...and it only costs $8.99 a Month!

[AJ Collector]

Netflix is the way to go........

[Adam West]

They have started placing Blockbuster kiosks around our area (similar to Redbox). I am guessing that their new business model is to get away from bricks and mortar store to kiosks and Netflix style. Blockbuster will end up dying a slow death when video on demand becomes more popular, the selections get better, and you have more time to watch them over a certain period of time. So far, I have only done Video on Demand a few times when I'm prepared to watch a movie beginning to end. It only sits in your DVR for 24 hours and there is a premium price to pay $4.99 is what they typically charge. Once prices come down and transmission of HD movies from your computer to HDTV becomes more prevalent and competitive....DVD's will more or less become obsolete.

[MIB41]

Most stores should be gone by next year if not by the end of this year. Their beginning to convert over to a Redbox style where you see those vending machines at various stores, eateries, and grocery chains.

[generic]

I know this is the way things are headed and most people like it, but I'm going to miss the video stores. I'm actually still pretty bitter that Blockbuster put the local stores out of business, so I don't feel bad for Blockbuster specifically, but I am going to miss the brick and mortar video stores. I've never done NetFlix or watched a movie online, but I'm sure it'll happen eventually.

[megojim]

Blockbuster is in dire straits . . . . netflix, redbox and itunes are the route most people are going. I don't see a need to ever by another dvd, just download it and enjoy

[Mikey]

Blockbuster (online) stinks

Poor service and a lot less choices

One time they tried charging me a huge amount of money for one lost in the mail disc.

I fought it and finally prevailed after many calls.

Totally turned me off to them and i'll never use their service again.

[HardyGirl]

The one near my house is still open, but I haven't rented a movie since total DVD conversion, so whatever.

[BlackKnight]

I haven't rented from an actual video Store for over 5 yrs or more, I believe.
I used to rent from Safeway, off and on ... but with Redbox ..., and Comcast on demand ..., there's no need for anything else.

[CaptainTrenchcoat]

I had a small Blockbuster close near me, but the large one is still open. A Mammoth Video also just closed. The weird thing is that Family Video took over the spot where Mammoth was. I haven't seen a video store open in a long time. Not that it makes a difference to me, I also use Netflix.

[SeattleEd]

Are all Blockbuster stores closing?

That is the plan.
As everyone stated, other sources are taking over now and competing for your business.
Netflix, Redbox, iTunes and VOD from your local cable company are taking over as portals for media content delivery to consumers.
Pretty soon the major studios will be doing it themselves directly since it's less expensive and better control.
The focus is to phase out hard copies and make every digital. It will happen but it will take time. Right now target hard copies on the older consumers that have the money to spend. While at the same time grooming the younger generation for new technology.
Parents maybe still be incorporating the hard copies into kids lives but when they get older and focus on the new tech, hard copies would be needed.
I'm around this industry everyday and it's cool to see the transitions and making life for minimalistic.

[generic]

...The focus is to phase out hard copies and make every digital...

I have mixed feelings about that...all of the bad!

[Brazoo]

The Blockbusters near me are all gone now too - good riddance. Blockbuster was responsible for gutting the rental market with their mass gentrification scheme and contributed to the lowering of standards for Hollywood movies today.

Viacom pulled out of Blockbuster a few years ago because they knew what they did to the market. When they owned it they ran it at a loss, buying into new markets, cutting out their competition and filling the shelves with THEIR movies. Blockbuster without Viacom is flailing around for longer than it should be. They tried to build back a customer friendly atmosphere by altering their return policies and selling used DVDs and games. It was nonsense - they're trying to be more like the mom and pop shops they ran out of business years ago - what kind of plan is that?

The only rental stores left in my area are the really great indie stores with INCREDIBLE catalogs of movies and AMAZINGLY knowledgeable staff. Yay to those guys, who were too awesome for Blockbuster to kill.

[SeattleEd]

The only rental stores left in my area are the really great indie stores with INCREDIBLE catalogs of movies and AMAZINGLY knowledgeable staff. Yay to those guys, who were too awesome for Blockbuster to kill.

Yup, indies are the best. We have one of the best places to here in Seattle: Scarecrow Video

They are staving the new tech way and refuse to go online. Total old school but I can't foresee these places staying around for longer in decades to come.
Relegated to boutique status for those into retro lifestyle.

I'm at a point in my life that I need convenience.
I do miss walking into shops and seeing posters, hearing and seeing music/movies and seeing cool toys.