Local Blockbuster to Close in Wake of Corporate Bankruptcy Filing

The that has anchored the corner of Biddle and Eureka for years is about to close its doors once and for all.

Large "Store Closing" banners put up outside of the building is how city officials and motorists found out about the closure. Employees said they were not permitted to talk with the media and corporate spokespeople had little to say.

The store’s remaining merchandise is being sold to customers at clearance prices.

No official date has been given, but an employee speaking on the condition of anonymity said the store is scheduled to close Sunday.

Dallas-based Blockbuster Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection last year. On Feb. 21, court filings disclosed that the company is for sale.

Immediately following the bankruptcy filing, Blockbuster announced that several stores would be shut down as part of a recapitalization effort. 

A public statement released on the day of the bankruptcy filing said, “The recapitalization plan would substantially reduce the Company’s indebtedness–from nearly $1 billion currently to an estimated $100 million or less when implemented.”

The Wyandotte location, which opened in 1994, was one of the stores chosen to close in the recapitalization plan.

Blockbuster officials declined to comment on why the Wyandotte store was selected. Officials also declined to say whether other area stores would be closing. According to the store locator on the Blockbuster website, there are eight stores less than 10 miles from the Wyandotte location.

One of those, in Southgate, is closing, according to similar signage outside of its building.

In a one-sentence e-mailed statement, a Blockbuster representative identified only as Jason said, “We don’t comment on individual store closings.” 

Blockbuster’s departure from Wyandotte could potentially leave a vacant building behind. However, Mayor Joe Peterson said the property’s private owner is currently working to keep it occupied. He said there are ongoing lease negotiations between the property owner and a medical office. 

Despite this, Peterson said that Blockbuster’s departure is unfortunate for Wyandotte.

“Of course it is a great loss to the downtown business district,” Peterson said. “Many people, including me, took advantage of the service Blockbuster offered.”

Peterson also said that Blockbuster is suffering due to competition from different methods of video rental.

“Current technology has made it more convenient for people to access movies without leaving the comfort of their homes and I think that is the problem Blockbuster and other video rental businesses are dealing with,” Peterson said. “Again, the business will be dearly missed.” 

Blockbuster offered the last brick and mortar establishment for those looking to rent movies in Wyandotte. Mel’s Video Stars recently left Wyandotte and moved to a nearby location in Southgate. 

An alternative for some is to buy used movies at in Wyandotte. The business is a resale shop occupying the building once used by Mel’s Video Stars.

Owner Rudy Moldonado said he typically has more than 4,000 used movies available. He said that many of his DVDs are priced at $2.99.

“We like movies and people still want to own movies,” Moldonado said. “If I can sell it to you cheaper then renting it, why rent?”  

Wyandotte resident Micheal Garza is a frequent customer at Rudy’s Exchange. He said he prefers buying movies as opposed to renting and does so at Rudy's because of the quantity and overall variety of movies offered.

“They have a good, wide selection,” Garza said. “They have a lot of older movies that are hard to find.” 

Aside from selling DVDs, Rudy’s also sells used electronics, video games, jewelry and musical instruments. 

Moldonado said his business has been in Wyandotte for two years and he has a good relationship with the city.

“We love Wyandotte,” Moldonado said. “I like the people, the city is very helpful.”

For those who still want to rent movies and don't mind having a much smaller selection than Blockbuster, the has videos for rent.

The cost is $1 per title, except for on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when it's