If anyone out there still has a Blockbuster store nearby (anyone?), don't be surprised if it disappears very soon. At this week's Consumer Electronics Show, DISH Network said it was planning close more of the rental chain's retail stores than originally planned.
DISH bought up the flailing movie rental chain back in April 2011. Since then, the company has closed a few underperforming locations and relaunched the Blockbuster @Home service as Blockbuster Movie Pass. Promising its subscribers a Netflix-style service combining streaming with by-mail and in-store service, Blockbuster Movie Pass is available to subcribers with DISH Network's America's Top 200 package and higher, for an extra $10 a month.
According to Reuters, DISH didn't disclose just how many of Blockbuster's remaining 1500 stores would close up shop. Spokesperson Marc Lumpkin said that the company would shutter stores on a "case by case" basis.
The company also said that remaining stores could become DISH service centers, allowing subcribers to take problems to their closest local retail store.
"If a consumer has a problem, just bring your box in and we'll give you a new one so you don't have to stay at home and wait for an installation," Chief Executive Joe Clayton told Reuters.
Home Media Magazine says that Blockbuster generated $347 million in revenue for DISH in the most recent fiscal period, as well as an incremental income of $3 million.
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