Blockbuster set to leave Greencastle

Thursday, August 13, 2009
When Blockbuster's lease runs out at the end of November, the video rental store will not be renewing, opening up the retail space for lease.

GREENCASTLE -- Blockbuster will be leaving the area soon. The business's lease with Thompson Thrift is up at the end of November and it will not be renewed.

"The store will be closing at the end of November," said Randy Hargrove, director of corporation communication. "We had some discussion with the owner of the building about the lease, but were unable to come to an agreement."

O.J. Stocker with Thompson Thrift said the retail space for lease sign was placed on the property less than a week ago.

"Blockbuster was a loyal customer, who just decided not to renew its lease with us," he added.

Blockbuster currently employs five people including managers at its Greencastle store. Each employee will be given the opportunity for relocation to the nearest Blockbuster stores, which are in Crawfordsville, Plainfield and Terre Haute.

"We hope to continue to provide services to Greencastle residents through our many other entertainment services," said Hargrove.

Blockbuster offers movies via mail, downloads directly to a computer or its Web site www.blockbuster.com

Blockbuster opened its doors in Greencastle in October 2001.

"We thank everyone for the patronage through the years," Hargrove said.

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  • does this suprize anyone????

    -- Posted by senior'08 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 6:08 AM
  • Just remember everyone, Family Video makes their money off of buying up and selling land. Not renting movies. One day they will leave to and then where will this town rent movies? REDBOX? Who knows?

    -- Posted by WhySoSerious on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 6:46 AM
  • Does anyone think that they would be leaving if Family Video had not come to town? Their rental prices were too high, but they were the only place to rent movies. Now, with competition, they cannot stay. I hope Family Video will not take advantage of Greencastle residents when Blockbuster goes.

    -- Posted by not gullible on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 9:13 AM
  • Who goes to Family Video when you can rent DVD's for 1.00 at Red Box!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    RED BOX ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

    -- Posted by lockemup on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 10:26 AM
  • I used to be a Blockbuster customer but cut up my card long ago. Every time we returned a movie, whether on time or even early, they attempted to charge a late fee. Each and every time they were proven wrong.

    -- Posted by scarlett39 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 5:12 PM
  • I won't miss them either. They charged me for a video even though I returned it. I told them they could just keep my member cards because I would not be back. Arrivederci!!

    -- Posted by guesswhonow on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 6:32 PM
  • Can't wait to see what "Family" Video pulls once they have their long awaited monopoly. Many of their stores stock so called "adult" movies, so I hope that's not next.

    -- Posted by sneakers on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:18 PM
  • Blockbuster moved into a building that was to small, they did not stock their shelves properly, tried to drive people to renting on line. Don't feel bad they are leaving.

    -- Posted by Trying hard on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 10:33 AM
  • Good riddance Blockbuster. Family Video is by far the better choice. Family Video has GREAT employees! Red box is cheap, but there is no personal interaction. Did you see the movie I-Robot where machines take over the world? I would rather rent my videos from a person than a machine!

    -- Posted by movielover on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 1:18 PM
  • A good lessen for other local business's "customer service", however do you actually think a corporation such as Blockbuster actually cares.

    -- Posted by ISF-C/O on Sat, Aug 15, 2009, at 9:32 AM
  • I honestly miss Video Heaven and Video Express. It's a shame things can't open up around here and actually STAY!Just like that gas station down the road from Gas America. It's really sad to drive through town and see all the empty buildings.

    -- Posted by putcoresident on Mon, Aug 17, 2009, at 8:52 AM
  • I agree with Umad, I'd rather see the local business people come back into the rental market again. The corproate movie stores aren't what they are hyped up to be. But then again, I only watch 8 or 10 movies a year, so I don't exactly support either. My life-partner is a Redbox fanatic, so no store support there!

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Mon, Aug 17, 2009, at 5:25 PM
  • The employees make the difference. I was never treated with respect anytime I walked into Lackluster Video. It was like they thought they were doing me a favor by renting me videos. Netflix is ok if you don't mind waiting 3 days or more for a movie you want to see. Redbox is ok if you are in a hurry and you want one of the 30 movies they offer, but I have been double charged by them a couple of times, and there are no employees to help with that or any other problem. Also, their selection is lacking to say the least. Family Video has a good selection, friendly employees and, according to the manager, will NOT be stocking adult movies. They probably will raise their prices, but that's capitalism, folks. I always thought they were too cheap to begin with.

    -- Posted by LangdonUlger on Tue, Aug 18, 2009, at 7:07 AM
  • I will miss Blockbuster. I use the online movies by mail and return them at the store for free movies. I hardly spend any money for the amount of movies I get in a month. I also liked the fact that there were no late fees. Family Videos movies are always messed up and you have to pay more to rent them for more than one night and they charge late fees.

    -- Posted by justsay on Thu, Aug 20, 2009, at 12:36 PM
  • Who rents movies anymore? Its easier to go online or rent movies through netflix.

    -- Posted by 1stamendrights on Thu, Aug 20, 2009, at 8:24 PM
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