Blockbuster to close domestic stores, end DVD by mail

Englewood, Colo. -- Blockbuster L.L.C., will end its retail and by mail DVD distribution operations by early January 2014. The company will close its approximately 300 remaining U.S.-based retail stores, as well as its distribution centers.



The Blockbuster By Mail service will end mid-December and will serve existing customers until that time. During the past 18 months, Blockbuster has divested itself of assets in the U.S., as well international assets, including operations in the U.K., and Scandinavia. Parent company Dish Network will continue to support Blockbuster’s domestic and international franchise operations, relationships and agreements.



Dish will retain licensing rights to the Blockbuster brand, and key assets, including the company’s significant video library. Dish will focus on delivering the Blockbuster @Home service to Dish customers, and on its transactional streaming service for the general market, Blockbuster On Demand.



"This is not an easy decision, yet consumer demand is clearly moving to digital distribution of video entertainment," said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH president and CEO. "Despite our closing of the physical distribution elements of the business, we continue to see value in the Blockbuster brand, and we expect to leverage that brand as we continue to expand our digital offerings."