Making Blockbuster Changes

Blockbuster Inc. (Dallas) has announced that it has transformed its 4412 company-operated U.S. stores in time for the holiday shopping season. The changes, the company said, are part of its ongoing plan to aggressively grow its retail sales, specifically in the high-growth DVD and games categories.

Beginning this month, the world's leading providers of videos, DVDs and video games said, all of its stores will feature clearly delineated retail and rental sections, color-blocked in-store signage, expanded focus on DVDs and games and other new design features developed to “strengthen Blockbuster's customer experience and grow its market share.”

“Our mission is . . . to be the complete source to our customers for movies and games, in the format of their choice, rental or retail, new or used,” said Nick Shepherd, executive vp, merchandising, and chief concept officer. “We created this new layout and new look to make their in-store experience more convenient, more enjoyable and give them no reason to buy or shop anywhere else.”

Additionally, Blockbuster has designated nearly 1000 of its stores as Hispanic. As part of the roll-out, Blockbuster is incorporating bilingual and Spanish-language signage in these stores, and has increased its selection of Spanish-language rental and retail product in these stores.

“The Hispanic population is the fastest growing customer segments and we feel these new changes will help us better serve our Spanish-speaking customers,” added Shepherd.