FeedOctober 26, 2008
In what some are calling the "the most brilliant business maneuver since financial firm Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy", DVD and video game retail chain Blockbuster has announced that over 1,000 retail outlets will be opened across Shanghai by fourth quarter 2009.
A recent interview with Blockbuster Inc. Director Carl Icahn reveals the motivation behind the expansion into China:
Icahn also supported his claims to provide rental-based entertainment services in China, by noting first-hand the success of current rental-based industries, such as by-the-hour massage parlors and KTV establishments.
In order to ensure customer acceptance, Blockbuster will contract local designers to mimic the store layout and decor with that of current competition. "Outdated posters, mismatched window curtains, secret compartments, kitchens, and back-alley entrances - our goal is to give the customer an authentic Blockbuster experience, without losing touch with the roots of Chinese retail media outlets." says one designer.
Blockbuster Inc's HR Director for China, Kandi Chao, has announced that the company is currently in the hiring process for various positions across all locations. "I'm currently scouting for overzealous customer service employees who are fluent in English idioms", she tells Shangzilla. Chao also mentioned that all employees must have experience in what she described as "locking customers in". Chao declined to further elaborate.
In order to battle current and future competition, Blockbuster will be opening two alternative outlets - "Blockbuster Express" DVD stands as well as wood-and-mortar stores under the name "EVEN BETTER THEN BLOCKBUSTER". The layout and inventory of these storefronts will parallel those of Blockbuster. An anonymous tipster recommended to Shangzilla that all "EVEN BETTER THEN BLOCKBUSTER" customers ask for a V.I.P. membership card, in order to receive a 1 kuai discount on all purchases.
A recent interview with Blockbuster Inc. Director Carl Icahn reveals the motivation behind the expansion into China:
"The recent crash of worldwide banks has had a massive effect on the global economy. While the world is on the cusp of an economic recession, we feel that consumers will be conserving both money and financial resources, which will eventually lead to a rise in rental-based entertainment. We believe that this is the perfect opportunity for Blockbuster to penetrate the Asian sector of the market."
Icahn also supported his claims to provide rental-based entertainment services in China, by noting first-hand the success of current rental-based industries, such as by-the-hour massage parlors and KTV establishments.
In order to ensure customer acceptance, Blockbuster will contract local designers to mimic the store layout and decor with that of current competition. "Outdated posters, mismatched window curtains, secret compartments, kitchens, and back-alley entrances - our goal is to give the customer an authentic Blockbuster experience, without losing touch with the roots of Chinese retail media outlets." says one designer.
Blockbuster Inc's HR Director for China, Kandi Chao, has announced that the company is currently in the hiring process for various positions across all locations. "I'm currently scouting for overzealous customer service employees who are fluent in English idioms", she tells Shangzilla. Chao also mentioned that all employees must have experience in what she described as "locking customers in". Chao declined to further elaborate.
In order to battle current and future competition, Blockbuster will be opening two alternative outlets - "Blockbuster Express" DVD stands as well as wood-and-mortar stores under the name "EVEN BETTER THEN BLOCKBUSTER". The layout and inventory of these storefronts will parallel those of Blockbuster. An anonymous tipster recommended to Shangzilla that all "EVEN BETTER THEN BLOCKBUSTER" customers ask for a V.I.P. membership card, in order to receive a 1 kuai discount on all purchases.