Blockbusted: Two more Blockbuster stores to close in Kent
The Blockbuster
store in Gravesend is among those to close
by business editor Trevor Sturgess
Blockbuster stores in Gravesend and Dover are to shut in the
latest round of closures at the ailing DVD and video games rental
chain.
The two Kent stores, which employ an estimated 10 staff between
them, are among a further 164 scheduled to close in the next few
weeks.
Last month, administrators at Deloitte said 129 stores would
shut, including Rainham. Branches in Ashford and Sevenoaks were
already on the hit list in an earlier announcement.
But other Kent stores have been spared the axe - Maidstone,
Chatham, Tonbridge, Folkestone, Tunbridge Wells and Margate. These
stores will continue to trade as usual while administrators
continue talks with possible bidders.
Lee Manning, joint administrator, said: "We have continued to
review the performance of individual stores since our appointment a
month ago and have concluded that further closures are necessary in
order to restructure the company for sale."
He added: "We are in discussions with a number of parties
interested in purchasing all or parts of the business and will
update on progress in due course."
Blockbuster followed other high street retailers such
as Comet, Jessops and HMV into administration.
Earlier today, it was joined by fashion retailer
Republic. Blockbuster has faced fierce competition
from online operators and digital downloads.
13/02/13
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