Look out, NYC. Blockbuster is getting ready to roll out 200 Blockbuster Express DVD rental kiosks in New York City. Why you ask? Well, according to the WSJ report, NYC is a Redbox weak spot with only three kiosks in the entire city while there are more than 20,000 nationwide. But just like the original DVD rental kiosk, Redbox, Blockbuster Express offers first run movies (which the movie studio’s don’t get any rental revenue from) for only $1.
It seems the bulk of the kiosks will be at Duane Reade drugstores, but other locations like Gristedes grocery stores will have them as well.
Is this Blockbuster’s last gasp at staying relevant? Who knows, but at least it shows that the company is willing to evolve and forgo the traditional brick and mortar video rental business model. Thankfully this plan is a little more grounded than Blockbusters last two ventures: Blockbuster OnDemand & SD card movie rentals.