In the next few weeks, six Blockbuster stores will close for good in Edmonton. The company went into receivership earlier in the month to pay the $70 million in debt built up by its former parent company in the U.S.
In total, 146 Canadian locations will close next month, and that includes six in Edmonton:
- 82nd Ave. and 83rd St.
- 38 Ave. and 34th St.
- 50 St. and 98 Ave.
- At the Grange Shopping Centre on Guardian Road
- 23 Ave. and 24th St.
- 153 Ave. and 97th St.
Those who turned up Friday to rent some movies for the weekend, left empty-handed.
"We wanted to rent a movie and now we have to pass on that for today," said customer Glen Playfair.
The loss in east Edmonton leaves movie lovers in a lurch.
"A little further distance to go to rent movies," said customer Katherine Molenaar.
The company has started to sell off some inventory at discounted prices.
"My boxed sets and stuff were $10, which I'd normally would spent $50 or $60 on," said Molenaar.
Online movie sites such as Netflix or video-on-demand services appear to be the popular choice for movie lovers these days.
"I can't honestly remember the last time we rented," said Lianne Bouwmeester.
As many as 1,400 Blockbuster staff members across the country could lose their jobs because of the shut-downs. In Edmonton, there is no confirmation on the number of affected jobs.
With files from Laura Tupper
