Scotland / Blockbuster / 300 jobs at risk

THOUSANDS of jobs are at risk after DVD rental firm Block-buster UK yesterday became the latest high street chain to go into administration.

The company, which employs 4,190 staff, including more than 300 in Scotland, follows music retailer HMV, which called in administrators earlier this week.

The Uxbridge-based business, which opened its first store in London in 1989 and now has 528 outlets across the UK, is the latest high-profile chain to succumb to the twin challenge of the internet and the faltering economy.

Retail experts said the rise of film-streaming websites such as Lovefilm and Netflix, combined with the continued rise of online retailers, had left Blockbuster “unfashionable and irrelevant”.

Deloitte, which is handling the administration, said the high street chain would continue to trade while a buyer is sought. Gift cards and credit acquired through Blockbuster’s trade-in scheme will continue to be honoured.

Choosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor from

via 300 jobs at risk in Scotland as Blockbuster enters administration – TV and Radio – Scotsman.com.