Blockbuster video rental store will close its Adams Morgan location. The sign announcing the closure went up yesterday. The store --at 1805 Columbia Rd NW-- was also closed for the evening, so I couldn't follow up to ask why or when. Ten bucks says it's the high rent or a combination of high rent and slowing sales. Netflix effect?
In 2009 Blockbuster announced that it would close nearly 1,000 stores by the end of this year. They'll still be in the DVD rental business, however. They are already operating DVD kiosks; similar to the Redbox kiosks scattered around DC.
Crooked Beat, the stalwart, indie vinyl and CD store is moving. The "FOR LEASE" sign in the window of the basement space of 2318 1th St NW scared me at first glance, but thankfully they aren't closing. The business will will be moving to an as yet determined (or at least announced) storefront in Adams Morgan. There are a handful of empty properties on both 18th Street and Columbia Road.
Tattoo Paradise recently moved from a basement space to a ground level space in the neighborhood. Business increased significantly. Perhaps the same is in store for Crooked Beat. Good luck guys.
6 comments:
I'm amazed Blockbuster even still exists at all. Besides my 70 year old father, who the Hell rents from them? For the cost of two movies, you could rent 15 from Netflix AND have them mailed to your doorstep free of charge.
Unfortunately, there are a lot more than a handful of empty storefronts along 18th Street. I was sad to see Shake Your Booty close recently, which was a neighborhood gem for at least the decade I've been in DC.
I rent(ed) from Blockbuster. I like to browse, and have gotten my personal data stolen from the 'net more than once, so I no longer buy online. What's to come of brick and mortar stores? Will they disappear? Are companies afraid of employment/people? This is kind of bad news, though the truth is Blockbuster at that site was never all that.
I rented from Blockbuster too. It's nice to be able to just go find a movie when you want it - with Netflix you have to wait a few days, or send back movies unwatched, losing your money. And on-demand services don't really have that great of a selection.
I'm sorry Shake Your Botty closed, but their stuff kind of sucked.
Blockbuster is (going) bankrupt. All the stores will be closed soon.
The one on Capitol Hill is very popular.
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