News
Dish Network to Keep 1,500 Blockbuster Stores
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (July 22, 2011) --  Dish Network has decided to keep more than 1,500 Blockbuster stores open, but will close about 200, Blockbuster said Thursday. There was no immediate word on which stores will stay open or be closed.

The satcaster purchased the video retailer in April in a bankruptcy auction. Since then, there has been widespread speculation that Dish would use some Blockbuster retail locations to sell its satellite TV service and related products.

However, Netflix's recent decision to change its pricing structure may be fueling interest by Dish to keep as many Blockbuster stores open as possible. Dish's executives may now believe that Blockbuster could take business away from Netflix which has more than 20 million subscribers.

 In a press release released Thursday, Blockbuster President Michael Kelly hinted that the video retailer may even try to reopen some stores in neighborhoods that have lost their Blockbusters in recent months.

"Unfortunately, despite our efforts to reach reasonable terms, some property owners have closed stores," Kelly added. "However, we'll continue to look for opportunities for physical distribution in these neighborhoods as we expand our in-store experience, unmatched for movies and family entertainment."

Blockbuster said Thursday that the decision to keep more than 1,500 stores open will save more than 1,500 jobs nationwide.

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