A Glimpse at the Future of BLOCKBUSTER^®

By David Callaway
Blockbuster Inc.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008; 12:00 AM CST

May 6th, 2008   Dallas, TX  —  We're testing some exciting new concept stores in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area as part of our continuing efforts to improve the BLOCKBUSTER customer experience.

Each of the new concept stores offers a slightly different experience. Here's what's in the concept stores today that might be part of the BLOCKBUSTER store of tomorrow:

Games

This concept caters to games, featuring more video games and a gaming center where customers can play all the next-gen consoles on 62" televisions. It's a great place to try out games and systems.

Kids

Kids always enjoy a trip to the store, but we have a concept store where even little ones can have fun while their parents browse. The children's media center features kid-friendly games, music videos and movie clips for kids to enjoy in-store. And the BLOCKBUSTER Picture Play Zone lets tots take pictures with some of their favorite movie characters.

Hi-Tech

We have a concept that's got everything customers need to keep up with the latest entertainment technology. Customers are able to buy a wide range of the latest electronics, including Blu-ray players, high-def televisions, digital cameras, e-books, MP3 players, accessories, cables and more. They are also able to discuss products with in-store technology experts.

Snack & Sip

Browsing through hundreds of movies can be thirsty work. That's why we have a concept store featuring hot and cold beverages and an expanded line of snacks. Customers are able to serve themselves soda, frozen and iced coffees, frozen carbonated drinks, hot coffee, espressos and cappuccinos.

Lounges

We want our customers to feel at home in our stores, so we're testing two concepts with lounge areas. Both stores have couches, tables, and free wireless Internet access. One has a self-service beverage bar with hot and cold drinks. The other contains a full-service bar with an assortment of hot and cold drinks served by baristas.

All stores feature some other more subtle changes – a new layout and shorter shelves for easier browsing, updates like flat screen TVs and even a spiffy new paint job and color scheme. All to improve the BLOCKBUSTER experience for our customers.

While these concepts are specifically in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, BLOCKBUSTER is introducing changes nationwide to provide convenient access to media entertainment for all of our customers. BLOCKBUSTER stores across the country will feature:

• More copies of the movies you love
• The latest video games for retail purchase, including PS3, Xbox and Wii platforms
• Enhanced selection of snacks, to complement your movie night
• Framed art and entertainment-related exclusive products for sale

We've listed the locations of the concept stores on the right side of this page. Please stop by if you happen to be in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

Can't make it to one of our concept stores? Check out the photos below.