Blockbuster Makes a Nostalgic Comeback on the High Street
Blockbuster, the iconic video rental store that once dominated the high street, is making a surprising return years after closing all its locations. The beloved brand, a phenomenon of the 90s, will be reopening its doors in Soho, London, for a limited-time pop-up event from April 9 to April 12, in collaboration with KitKat.
This marks the first time Blockbuster has opened since it shuttered its last stores. Visitors to the pop-up will have the chance to immerse themselves in nostalgia, lounging in a specially designed chill-out zone while browsing through stacks of video cases reminiscent of the past.
As part of this delightful throwback experience, customers will have the opportunity to enjoy retro televisions and “rent” a video just like they did in the good old days. However, unlike the traditional rental system of the 90s, film enthusiasts will select a movie and take the VHS case to the counter, where they will receive a streaming code to watch their chosen film. To enhance the experience, each visitor will also be given a KitKat to enjoy while they delve into their favorite films.
Stephanie Scales, the marketing manager for KitKat, shared her thoughts with Metro: “In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected with others is more important than ever. Whether it’s with friends, family, or loved ones, we want to take the nation back to simpler times and reclaim the joy of choosing a movie to watch together. By partnering with Blockbuster, we aim to elevate cozy nights in and help Brits savor their downtime while breaking better!”
Over the years, Blockbuster’s influence has lingered despite its closure. In 2023, rumors of the brand’s revival sparked excitement online when its website mysteriously came back to life, featuring the enigmatic message: “We are working on rewinding your movie.”
At its peak in 1989, Blockbuster was reportedly opening a new store every 17 hours, and by 2004, it boasted over 9,000 locations across the United States, employing a staggering 84,000 people worldwide. However, a decade later, the once-thriving rental empire began to crumble, leaving behind rusting storefronts that served as reminders of a bygone era overshadowed by the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix.
Blockbuster filed for bankruptcy in the U.S. in 2010 and followed suit in the UK in 2013. The possibility of a revival has sparked excitement among former users, with many taking to social media to share their thoughts. One user exclaimed: “What is happening?! Is this the return of @blockbuster?! We’ve missed you!” Another pondered: “Is Blockbuster coming back? I hope so, but it might just be a streaming service. I’d love to see brick-and-mortar stores return!” A third user remarked: “Something is up with the @blockbuster website… Are we getting a piece of our high school lives back? Just a tease? What’s the plan?”
BE KIND, REWIND: The Last Blockbuster
Once boasting 9,000 stores and valued in billions, Blockbuster now has only one remaining location worldwide. Sarah Harding, 51, has been managing this last outpost in Bend, Oregon, for nearly two decades. The store still looks much like it did during the heyday of the movie rental market in the 90s, with aisles filled with films, movie posters, and shelves stocked with sweets and popcorn.
The Bend location became the last standing Blockbuster in March 2019 after the chain closed its remaining 49 franchise stores, leaving movie fans heartbroken. It marked the end of an era of cherished family outings to pick up VHS tapes, DVDs, and snacks for cozy movie nights in.