Blockbuster Video Closes Its Last Store in Bensalem

Blockbuster? More like Blockbusted!

The last Video in Bensalem will be closing its doors permanently on Monday, March 14. The store, located at 2290 Neshaminy Boulevard in the same shopping center as the and CVS, was opened in 1999 but could no longer hold its own against the competition.

“We just weren't busy enough. We weren't getting enough business, so we're closing down,” said one of the employees, who admitted that Internet-based companies were one of the main reasons for Blockbuster's lack of business.

With competition from on-demand services of cable and satellite companies, online retailers like Amazon.com and eBay, dollar-a-night DVD kiosks like Redbox and movies-by-mail services like Netflix, brick-and-mortar video stores are taking a beating in the digital media age. Factor in online streaming websites like Hulu and YouTube and suddenly driving to the video store seems more like a chore and less like a treat.

And what of the fate of Blockbuster Inc.? One employee divulged the company's strategic plan: “We're moving Midwest. Business is better out there, so that's where we are focusing our efforts.”

In order to prepare for the move, Blockbuster is selling everything in the store – fixtures included. Until the store closes, DVDs, Blu-rays, video games, candy and movie merchandise are all offered at a discount.

“It's the end of an era,” said Donna S., a long-time Bensalem resident. “Going to the video store would be something to look forward to or something to reward your children with. Watching movies on the computer just doesn't hold the same charm.”

Charm or no charm, the store has been picked clean by thrifty Bensalemites looking to score big before the bust. As of Saturday, March 12, most of the non-new release Blu-ray movies have been sold and a majority of used DVDs are gone, too. The walls, however, are still stocked with the latest releases available on both formats. There are still some confectioneries and rolled posters available, but most, if not all, of the framed movie posters have been sold. There are no more video games remaining for sale.

The other Bensalem-based Blockbuster Video, which was located in the Jefferson Ward Shopping Center on Street Road, was shut down in 2009.