Now Blockbusters Has 'Collapsed'

Just read this on my Sky home page

http://news.sky.com/story/1038898/blockbuster-collapses-4200-jobs-at-risk

Sad news, where will it all end?

 

Another sad loss of jobs.Its time the goverment stepped in and reduced the vat in the high street.And some sort of loyalty for buying in high street so it would be cheaper to support the high street and if you are to shop on line you kinda pay the fine of vat stays same online .

 

Sadly I think that this could be a miserable on the high street, Comet at the end of last year, and already this year we have Jessops gone, and HMV & Blockbusters in administration it doesn't look like a very nice start to the year for thousands of employees, I've been there and I won't wish it on anyone.
I agree we need to support the high street wherever possible, but as the government continues to take money from our pockets we have to spend what we have wisely.
It did make me wonder how many of us have actually used these shops regularly. I used Comet last September as my insurance company sent me there, Jessops I probably used about two years ago, I can not remember when I last purchased from HMV, and I've never used Blockbusters. I wonder how indicative this is of the population as a whole.
However I regularly use my small independent's, my local electrical store supplied my last telly, there is a small independent camera store that gets my custom because they are always so helpful and knowledgeable. I do have a pet garden centre (we play nicely together so it's always fun), but unfortunately for price and convenience the majority of my other purchases are made online.
The government has to make the high street more attractive. With the cost of fuel and parking, and with our lives been ever more busy, unfortunately the internet is the choice of convenience.
Only my thoughts, on this chilly day!

 

And the Government said we on the right tracks

 

I think there view of the right track and the rest of the countries is slightly different.

 

We have free parking for 2 hours so at least this helps to shop local.

As for Perth no free car parking thinking they need to start this to help save the high street shops.

I could go on .

Yes we are all guilty as its convientient.

Its just so so sad.

 

Too true too true.

 

Jessops, HMV, Comet, Blockbusters, all technology and media companies. None sustainable in this day and age. Of course its sad, and at this rate all high streets are going to end up like our one, where about half the shops are empty.

To be honest, and I don't mean to sound heartless, but I personally don't see the sense in worrying about the demise of businesses that can't possibly have a future anyway. Blockbuster, the latest one, couldn't possibly compete with the likes of LoveFilm or Sky's latest online offering.

What does worry me though is that as these businesses go, they are not being replaced.

Councils charge stupid amounts of business rates and landlords charge insane rent, so new business simply can't afford to occupy the newly vacated premises, so they can't develop a visible presence and grow. If I was the owner of an empty shop, my view would be that peppercorn rent to be reviewed after 6 months, with someone in there and looking after the place, has got to be better than no rent at all, and vandals trashing the place. If I was the local authority, I think I'd take the view that a massive discount on business rates for a few months is better than no income at all. Sadly it doesn't seem to work that way, so instead we just keep losing stuff and it isn't being replaced.

 

Bottom line is those businesses that have collapsed haven't adapted to changing market conditions. Who on earth wants to rent a DVD from a shop and have to take it back 2 days later when you can choose from thousands on the Internet via lovefilm or sky. Blockbuster have a major brand presence and should have utilised that combining it with alternatives like Internet streaming.

Same with HMV, the most famous music store in the UK but why don't they advertise their online proposition strongly? Seems crazy to me and poor management!

Businesses need to embrace the changing market conditions not try and fight them!

 

We have two traders closed down this week in our town and I believe Scotland Nationaly
D&E Shoes, and ADAMS clothes
Wait for it Wait for it
British Heart Foundation charity shop CLOSING DOWN SALE :-)

It can only be PC WORLD NEXT,and/or CURRYS

I can go online tonight and If I click BUY before 21:00 I will receive my goods by Noon tomorrow,
I believe the only ones who shop at Currys now, are people who wish to have credit, others just to try the goods before they buy online elswhere

Jack McH

 

HMV have seen this coming for a few years now. They've bought numerous music venues in the past couple of years, even one in Manchester! (The HMV Ritz).

 

Though they are now honouring the HMV VOUCHER at Tesco's

Horse Meat Voucher 20% off Burgers

Jack McH