Blockbuster confirms closure of town store
Banbury’s Blockbuster store is closing to make way for a supermarket convenience store.
The Banbury Guardian understands the South Bar store is one of 49 Blockbuster branches being bought by supermarket giant Morrisons to be turned into convenience stores.
Blockbuster staff in Banbury are unable to comment on the reports, but concerned residents have said the store is to be closed and all seven staff are to be made redundant.
The Banbury Guardian has been told the branch, which has about 10,000 registered customers, has been earmarked for closure despite making a profit.
Deloitte was appointed administrator for the DVD rental firm in January and on Tuesday Smithfield PR, working on behalf of Deloitte, confirmed the Banbury branch is “scheduled for closure”, but staff said they were unable to confirm if Blockbuster employees are being made redundant.
Morrisons has, however, confirmed it is buying the premises.
Spokesman James French said: “We can confirm we are acquiring the lease to the Banbury Blockbuster premises and that it will become a Morrisons M local store, with the aim of opening by the end of the summer.”
Customer Tony Malpass, of Banbury, said: “I think it’s out of order. The branch is profitable because it is the only rental facility in Banburyshire as far as I know and everyone from the surrounding villages goes there. It really is a destination shop and at the moment it works in synergy with the surrounding places, like Dominos and other takeaways. It’s a great family facility as you can go in there and get drinks and popcorn and everything for a night in.
“We don’t need another supermarket and the big Morrisons is just around the corner.
“The community is being deprived of a much-loved and used asset.”
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Weather for Banbury
Sunday 19 May 2013
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