View Full Version : A look into Future Blockbuster stores (much better!)
I stumbled onto Blockbuster's site which has a section showing their stores of the future, that are currently in concept status in Texas. The stores look a lot better (they have photos) and include better design and more products, as well as a much better food/beverage set up. http://www.blockbuster.com/stores
YoshiFan1
11-16-2008, 02:19 AM
Although it looks cool, I don't think it will work. It almost looks like a place to hangout and I just can't see people sitting around at Blockbuster having drinks.
I think its a step in the right direction. Sure, there probably won't be tons of people sitting to eat, but they will be able to sell more products than just video rentals. It's more inviting than how the stores are now. on a side note: Is it true Blockbuster offers TIV matching? The site says best TIV gauranteed. http://www.blockbuster.com/stores/games/rentBuyTrade
Brian9824
11-16-2008, 10:23 AM
I really can't see that being popular. When I go to a store like blockbuster my goal is to be in and out as quickly as possible so I can go home and enjoy what I just got. It's not like a barnes and noble where I can skim thru a few books there while sipping a cup of coffee.
Hydro2Oxide
11-16-2008, 10:44 AM
Looks like a Bestbuy. Blockbuster must not be doing so good lately...
Malik112099
11-16-2008, 11:16 AM
Wow..what a waste of space. So...a place that I want to get in and out of as fast as humanly possible will now be filled with tons of annoying kids? GREAT IDEA!
This is goingto be like Best Buy but worse. I hate having to walk around the kids/teens that go to Best Buy just to sit around and play games all day. Where the fuck are their parents?
yourlefthand
11-16-2008, 11:32 AM
Wow..what a waste of space. So...a place that I want to get in and out of as fast as humanly possible will now be filled with tons of annoying kids? GREAT IDEA!
This is goingto be like Best Buy but worse. I hate having to walk around the kids/teens that go to Best Buy just to sit around and play games all day. Where the fuck are their parents?
Oh, and get off my lawn!
I added what you forgot. :)
muhsheesuh
11-16-2008, 12:17 PM
I doubt this will happen to a lot of BB stores, as the store layout isn't the problem but competition with Netflix and Gamefly for cheap rentals without even having to leave the comfort of your home.
IAmTheCheapestGamer
11-16-2008, 01:01 PM
I think its a step in the right direction. Sure, there probably won't be tons of people sitting to eat, but they will be able to sell more products than just video rentals. It's more inviting than how the stores are now. on a side note: Is it true Blockbuster offers TIV matching? The site says best TIV gauranteed. http://www.blockbuster.com/stores/games/rentBuyTrade
If that were the case and the damn manager who I used to talk to often at Gamestop were around ALOT lately, I'd have had him scan in my HWV games I've been trading to THEM and print up a receipt for me showing the TIV's AFTER promos and traded them into Blockbuster.
Mind you, I doubt this 'all in one' store idea will ever really take off(much like used games @ Best Buy and Circuit City), so there's no real reason for me to bother with transferring that much credit.
But if it DID take off, then I'd have an even better reason besides getting new release games with cheap credit to flip games to them, since then I could get an HDtv the cheapass way.
So does anyone know if they match Gamestop's trade in values?
IAmTheCheapestGamer
11-16-2008, 06:01 PM
I've been told by several managers that they WILL match the TIV's, but you DO need 'proof' of those values.
This is why I said I wish the one manager was at the one local Gamestop more often, since I'd have had him make me up a few receipts showing the after bonus TIV's of the games I've been trading there.
Any ideas on how to provide proof?
IAmTheCheapestGamer
11-16-2008, 06:53 PM
Pretty much the only way I would see how to provide proof is by having a Gamestop employee do the trade transaction and before signing the pad say you changed your mind, but ask for a copy of the receipt.
Unfortunately, that method probably won't make you any fans at you local Gamestop stores, but it will get you the proof you need.
However, those receipts will also show the before and AFTER promo price and Blockbuster will probably only match the pre promo price.
You're actually better off with the 30% deal @ Gamestop actually, rather than trying to match from BBV.
Sinnbox
11-16-2008, 07:46 PM
My local BBV is already like this, except we dont have the beverage counter. They got rid of 50% of the movies and expanded the video games and kids movies area and added a play pen for the kids, they also added 3 Hi-Def TVS to demo games on, but they only use them to brag about Blu-Ray.
Yanksfan
11-16-2008, 08:03 PM
This is the kind of place I would love to do business in.
I hate cramped, old, stale stores. I like being able to browse for a bit in a well spaced, pleasant store, while I sip on a nice drink.
And I will enjoy it even more if I can use my credit to do so.
Layziebones
11-16-2008, 08:51 PM
Testing out games before you rent them could be cool, but if you don't have anything better to do on a Fri/Sat night than sit in Blockbuster and drink soda, you got bigger problems.
slidecage
11-19-2008, 10:06 AM
got to wonder if netflix would ever say What the hell lets jack up our rates to 39.99 a month and you can stream even new release movies how long B&M stores would stay around
Could even see netflix ad
Same price as BLockbuster online but at least you dont have to drive to the store and you know your movie is ALWAYS IN STOCK
Personally, I prefer going to the store as I don't rent that many movies and HWV has those coupons for 1 free movie per month. I would probably also utilize trading in a movie to the store in order to rent a new one faster. So I think some people prefer the store still, even though some do not.
camoor
11-19-2008, 05:42 PM
A glimpse at the future of Blockbuster...
http://saltwater.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/09/15/tumbleweed_sized.jpg
bigdaddybruce44
11-19-2008, 07:51 PM
This reminds of me the re-imagining they had planned for McDonald's sometime ago. They also wanted to give their stores that B&N/Starbucks/etc kind of feel, a place where you are suppose to hang out. I don't know if they ever really implemented it, but I know I never saw it around me. To me, this isn't going to attract new business. All it might attract is loiters.
captainfrizo
11-19-2008, 08:06 PM
I really can't see that being popular. When I go to a store like blockbuster my goal is to be in and out as quickly as possible so I can go home and enjoy what I just got. It's not like a barnes and noble where I can skim thru a few books there while sipping a cup of coffee.
I agree. Book stores can get away with a lounge and food. A movie/game rental chain? Not so much.
I want Blockbuster to continue on, but I don't see how this will prove successful for what they do.
Large LCDs showing games and movies, keep the kiddies to their own area, expanded sales of electronics & games to actually purchase (great for credit), better lighting, nicer flooring, greatly expanded food choices, more room to walk and view movies, what more could you really ask for in a movie store?
bigdaddybruce44
11-20-2008, 01:31 AM
Large LCDs showing games and movies, keep the kiddies to their own area, expanded sales of electronics & games to actually purchase (great for credit), better lighting, nicer flooring, greatly expanded food choices, more room to walk and view movies, what more could you really ask for in a movie store?
Honestly, set up a poll on here. See how many CAGs care about things like the display televisions, food choices, places to stuff kids, etc. You'll find a vast majority could care less. As others have said in this thread, all you want out of a place like Blockbuster is to get in, find what you want, and get out.
Honestly, set up a poll on here. See how many CAGs care about things like the display televisions, food choices, places to stuff kids, etc. You'll find a vast majority could care less. As others have said in this thread, all you want out of a place like Blockbuster is to get in, find what you want, and get out.
Well I will be very happy if BBV becomes like their concept stores, I don't care what the majority thinks. But I was asking what more could you want than the improvements they are making... Sounds to me like you would just like a walkway that leads to the register, where you name movie to employee as you walk in, they accept your cash, and a movie pops out of the counter with your change as you continue walking, so that it wasn't like you went to a store at all and took 1 minute to walk in and out. I want more out of my stores, I would like to get a beverage and browse all the movies, or look for some good deals on games or electronics, and take my time.
bigdaddybruce44
11-20-2008, 09:09 PM
Well I will be very happy if BBV becomes like their concept stores, I don't care what the majority thinks. But I was asking what more could you want than the improvements they are making... Sounds to me like you would just like a walkway that leads to the register, where you name movie to employee as you walk in, they accept your cash, and a movie pops out of the counter with your change as you continue walking, so that it wasn't like you went to a store at all and took 1 minute to walk in and out. I want more out of my stores, I would like to get a beverage and browse all the movies, or look for some good deals on games or electronics, and take my time.
Dude, did you read your last two posts? You're completely contradicting yourself. You originally asked, "What more could you want?" Last time I checked, unless you have a split personality, "you" would refer to the rest of us. You were making some general statement about taste. But what we're saying is that we don't want it. Then, you come back with, "Well, I want it." That's fine. No one is telling you are wrong to want this. We're just saying most people don't, it won't help their sales, and likely, it won't last.
The bottom line is, all of that stuff is simply fluff. It doesn't add anything to the core concept of a rental store. The problem is, Blockbuster is getting chewed up by mail-order and digital distribution, so they are clutching at straws, hoping they can so something...anything...to get people to come in. Everytime I go into a BBV, it's empty. Ten years ago, if I went there on a Friday night, I would have to wait at least 15 minutes to get checked out. Now, I can walk in and out in a minute.
spinksjinx
11-21-2008, 10:28 AM
Looks like a Bestbuy. Blockbuster must not be doing so good lately...
They are turning profits hand over fist.
They were hemorrhaging money before but have since turned it around.
Those with the little setups are rock the block stores but they are moving towards a more retail style of store. People forget they carry everything now from Consoles to digital photo frames.
So does anyone know if they match Gamestop's trade in values?
Chances are there trade in value is higher than gamestop. They give up to 36 dollars, I traded in Call of Duty 4 for ps3 and got $36 and Alone in the Dark from the $3.99 sale at Hollywood and they gave me $16. As opposed to gamestop who offered $4.75
Dude, did you read your last two posts? You're completely contradicting yourself. You originally asked, "What more could you want?" Last time I checked, unless you have a split personality, "you" would refer to the rest of us. You were making some general statement about taste. But what we're saying is that we don't want it. Then, you come back with, "Well, I want it." That's fine. No one is telling you are wrong to want this. We're just saying most people don't, it won't help their sales, and likely, it won't last.
The bottom line is, all of that stuff is simply fluff. It doesn't add anything to the core concept of a rental store. The problem is, Blockbuster is getting chewed up by mail-order and digital distribution, so they are clutching at straws, hoping they can so something...anything...to get people to come in. Everytime I go into a BBV, it's empty. Ten years ago, if I went there on a Friday night, I would have to wait at least 15 minutes to get checked out. Now, I can walk in and out in a minute.
Actually it was more of an expression than asking everyone on CAG and if it was directed at anyone it was really only directed at you. If you read my comments on page 1 of this thread you would understand that. As I have been talking the whole time about what I personally find great about the concept stores. I'm getting a little tired of you posting negative crap towards me whenever you get the chance.
detectiveconan16
11-21-2008, 02:08 PM
I went to a Blockbuster near a KMart, and they were already in the process of doing that. Seems like they could pull it off, even if it's a little cramped.
bigdaddybruce44
11-21-2008, 02:46 PM
Actually it was more of an expression than asking everyone on CAG and if it was directed at anyone it was really only directed at you. If you read my comments on page 1 of this thread you would understand that. As I have been talking the whole time about what I personally find great about the concept stores. I'm getting a little tired of you posting negative crap towards me whenever you get the chance.
Stop your whining. I'm not the only one who said this is a bad idea and not something WE want. And if you post something on a message board, you have to deal with what people say. If you can't handle that, don't post. Lastly, stop being a martyr. I've responded to numerous questions you've had and helped you out. Don't get all pissy, just because no one likes this.
Stop your whining. I'm not the only one who said this is a bad idea and not something WE want. And if you post something on a message board, you have to deal with what people say. If you can't handle that, don't post. Lastly, stop being a martyr. I've responded to numerous questions you've had and helped you out. Don't get all pissy, just because no one likes this.
You seem to be the person whining. You don't see anyone else responding to me the way you are. Sure you may provide the occasional helpful post to me, but you still seem to be targeting me with backlash if it is possible based on whatever I post.
bigdaddybruce44
11-21-2008, 06:53 PM
All right, kid. I'm whining...when you're the one replying, "Stop targeting me....waaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" What a baby. All I said was that no one wanted this, the same thing a number of other posters said, and you start crying about me. Get a grip on reality, son. If you can't handle being "targeting" (ie, having someone not agree with you) on a message board, I worry about what you'll do when your boss criticizes your work.
Go back and look at all the posts and you will see that some people do want it, some don't, while others simply think it wouldn't get BBV more business. You're exaggerating your claims. I'm just stating facts, its your impression that I'm whining because what I have said annoys you. And I tried to be nice about it. I didn't mention why you might be so rude to me lately.
bigdaddybruce44
11-21-2008, 07:30 PM
*sigh*
Dude, do you know how to read? I said that other people don't like it. They don't. I never said no one else liked it. I said OTHER people don't like it. And yet, even though I simply stated the same issues others did, you picked me out. Again, get a grip on reality.
And what was that last line suppose to be? A threat? How old are you? 9? I'll tell everyone why I'm being "rude" to you (ie, I said something you didn't like, and you took it personally). You're an anti-GameStop troll, and in every weekly thread, you cry about the coupons. GameStop finally dropped the coupons to 20%, and now, you think you're smart or something. Oh, my God! Everyone knows why I'm being "rude." No one on CAG will talk to me, now!
toocool17
11-21-2008, 08:43 PM
I have been to most of the different future stores, since they have different version stores all over dallas. I have to say they are pretty cool. I have noticed a ton more people going to blockbuster now, and they seem alot nice. Also at night some stores have like 5 or 6 people working there, it is crazy. One store even opens up like at 6 a.m. and offers coffee, which I think was free. Also I was able to build up a ton of credit and got myself a sony lcd tv. I do think there are a few that dislike the new concept stores, but the vast majority around here really seem to like them.
*sigh*
Dude, do you know how to read? I said that other people don't like it. They don't. I never said no one else liked it. I said OTHER people don't like it. And yet, even though I simply stated the same issues others did, you picked me out. Again, get a grip on reality.
And what was that last line suppose to be? A threat? How old are you? 9? I'll tell everyone why I'm being "rude" to you (ie, I said something you didn't like, and you took it personally). You're an anti-GameStop troll, and in every weekly thread, you cry about the coupons. GameStop finally dropped the coupons to 20%, and now, you think you're smart or something. Oh, my God! Everyone knows why I'm being "rude." No one on CAG will talk to me, now!
I tried to be nice to you even though you kept nagging and nagging on me. And you keep harassing me in fucking threads because you're all full of pent up anger for being wrong about arguments we were having for months over Gamestop. Where you were WRONG and I was right. And because you didn't wanna look like an ass in the Gamestop thread you held in your frustration but now it is all flowing out here.
Way to edit your previous post after you implied that everyone did not want BBV to change to their concept store model. In a number of posts you either stated or implied that noone wanted BBV to do it. You can't edit them all though Brucie.
That last line was not a threat it was explaining to you that I was being nice to you by not bringing up that shit. But your so full of rage and frustration from the past that you can't think clearly right now it seems.
Once again I need to explain to you that I am not an "anti-gamestop troll". I've been shopping there for ~17 years, I still shop there, I use their coupons, I trade in games, etc. I did not "cry" about the coupons in every weekly thread, I made a statement at the beginning of the 20% multi console coupon that we should not support it, I tried to prevent people from supporting it and explained why, and then I made an occasional comment on future coupons to determine whether or not Gamestop was going to lower their future 1 console coupons to 20%. But listen to you now, you're like a raving lunatic. Go derail more threads with your nonsense, see how people react.
I have been to most of the different future stores, since they have different version stores all over dallas. I have to say they are pretty cool. I have noticed a ton more people going to blockbuster now, and they seem alot nice. Also at night some stores have like 5 or 6 people working there, it is crazy. One store even opens up like at 6 a.m. and offers coffee, which I think was free. Also I was able to build up a ton of credit and got myself a sony lcd tv. I do think there are a few that dislike the new concept stores, but the vast majority around here really seem to like them.
That's encouraging news for BBV. I think its one of those things where at first people might not think they would enjoy it much based on just hearing about it or small photos, but once you get to shop there you warm up to it.
You're having no affect on me right now. Just forget about it. It's in the past man. The truth is I'm not pissed at you like I have been in the past about people I've argued with or ran into on the net, but your behavior has annoyed me greatly. The difference is that we got along well in the past and discussed shit together, helped each other out, and still had some decent conversations even after we started arguing months ago. I'd rather forget about it and start over. But that's your choice now. All I can do is be honest.
bigdaddybruce44
11-21-2008, 09:49 PM
You're having no affect on me right now. Just forget about it. It's in the past man. The truth is I'm not pissed at you like I have been in the past about people I've argued with or ran into on the net, but your behavior has annoyed me greatly. The difference is that we got along well in the past and discussed shit together, helped each other out, and still had some decent conversations even after we started arguing months ago. I'd rather forget about it and start over. But that's your choice now. All I can do is be honest.
That's what I said from the start, J7. You got annoyed at me for saying this wasn't a good idea. And then you start drudging up nonsense about the GS coupon threads. Since then, I've interacted with you in a number of threads, including ones you started and were looking for answers...without any issues at all. That's why I was a surprised you singled me out for "attacking" you. I was not doing any such thing, and if it came off like that on the internet, I apologize. But I was simply saying the same things other posters were. Nothing more.
Puffoluffagus
11-21-2008, 10:15 PM
Take it to PM. I didn't come to this thread to read a pissing match between two people.
schuerm26
11-22-2008, 09:29 PM
I just want a store who can compete with Gamestop. I would LOVE to go to a BB with a GREAT selection of used games plus get the good trade in values. If this is what it takes Im all for it.
bigdaddybruce44
11-22-2008, 09:34 PM
I just want a store who can compete with Gamestop. I would LOVE to go to a BB with a GREAT selection of used games plus get the good trade in values. If this is what it takes Im all for it.
Only problem is, in order for a store to seriously compete with GS, they would have to resort to numerous GS tactics. But if for no other reason, it would be nice for GS to finally have some competition. Better deals for us.
Only problem is, in order for a store to seriously compete with GS, they would have to resort to numerous GS tactics. But if for no other reason, it would be nice for GS to finally have some competition. Better deals for us.
It would be pretty awesome if BBV turned into a Gamestop rival, focusing more on game sales and less on movie rentals. But they could still offer monthly plans for movie rentals & games, just scale back the amount of old crap movies they carry. While having the new store layout with the food and beverages, which would probably do better in a GS type store than movie rental. In any case, it would be so much better with some real competition to GS. The profits are there it's just a question of how much longer they will continue with digital downloads looming.
schuerm26
11-22-2008, 11:51 PM
Only problem is, in order for a store to seriously compete with GS, they would have to resort to numerous GS tactics. But if for no other reason, it would be nice for GS to finally have some competition. Better deals for us.
eh. I disagree with this. Blockbuster has other ways to make money. They aren't 100% dependant on used game sales. Managed properly they could provide serious competition. It would be tough, but Blockbuster has a built in name already.
bigdaddybruce44
11-23-2008, 12:14 AM
If they could, why haven't they? They lose more and more business everyday, as new forms of digital rentals pop up. They could certainly use some new business. Problem is, no one associates used games with Blockbuster. GameStop, on the other hand, is kind of associated with games. If BBV, for some reason, wanted to tussle, they would have to actually go out of their way to do so.
yukafls
11-23-2008, 12:26 AM
All the BBV in my area have been changed over to the BlockBuster Media. The whole place just seems.....cleaner, it will change once a million people come in and out and half the game systems become thrashed like GS or.....dare I say, wal mart...No scratch that, Wal marts are already show up fucked
Blockbuster has an edge over Gamestop in the size of their stores. The Gamestop's are too small for all the shit they have in them though I heard they plan on changing their store layout too. Blockbuster in my mind should be doing as well as netflix because they offer the same program I think and you can utilize the store too, but they aren't. They need big management changes and even then they might not be able to compete. Whereas the used game sales industry is still open for grabs imo. As I said earlier I think a big problem is the future of the used game sales industry though.
david12795
11-23-2008, 02:21 AM
Not bad. It does almost look like best buy
DarkRider23
11-23-2008, 02:33 AM
Blockbuster has an edge over Gamestop in the size of their stores. The Gamestop's are too small for all the shit they have in them though I heard they plan on changing their store layout too. Blockbuster in my mind should be doing as well as netflix because they offer the same program I think and you can utilize the store too, but they aren't. They need big management changes and even then they might not be able to compete. Whereas the used game sales industry is still open for grabs imo. As I said earlier I think a big problem is the future of the used game sales industry though.
A management change is definitely what Blockbuster needs. It's ridiculous how Blockbuster stocks are so low. I've just started working at Blockbuster a week ago and surprisingly, A LOT of people buy the new and overpriced DVDs at their store. I'm wondering how the hell they DON'T make money. It's absolutely amazing.
I saw someone pay $24.99 for a DVD they could have gotten for $9.99 at Wal-Mart. My initial reaction to that was "thanks for the revenue."