This sat on my desktop for over a day now, just because I couldn't decide how I wanted to spin it: straight or snarky, sympathetic or mean. I'm still not sure, so let's just get right into it and see how it turns out.
InternetRetailer.com: Blockbuster turns to the web for new growth
InternetRetailer.com: Blockbuster turns to the web for new growth
As Blockbuster Inc. continues to slug it out with rival Netflix Inc., it’s staking its claims to differentiation and its future on a bid to be a multi-channel retailer and not just a DVD rental company. And in repositioning to a multi-platform strategy, the Internet and e-commerce figure to play a big role.
To give Blockbuster credit, they seem to have done a comprehensive job of taking a look at what's going on in entertainment media, and planning to imitate it. As one sage buisness guy once told me, "you don't need a better mousetrap, you just need a good one."
You don't even have to be the first one on the market, or even groundbreaking and innovative, you just have to show up and do your best. Brand recognition and customer comfort levels might even be a factor.
The strategies outlined in the article linked above seem to hit all the right buzzwords: online and kiosk downloads, and online partnerships. The big question is can they fire on all cylinders?
On the one hand, it's been a long, long time since Blockbuster has been on top of the heap. On the other hand, I love a good underdog story, and to be fair, they mean well, and they're trying really hard to change.
I was talking with an industry contact about downloads yesterday, and his two picks for the future movers was iTunes and Netflix. Is there room for Blockbuster on that list?
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