Blockbuster in Telford to stay open as 164 stores go
Stricken video chain Blockbuster this afternoon closed another 164 of its stores – including two in Shropshire – leaving just the Telford branch open.
The company's shops in Shrewsbury and Whitchurch are among the latest to be axed – though its Telford store in Rampart Way will remain open while a buyer is sought for the business.
The latest planned closures, affecting around 800 jobs, come on top of the 168 already identified for closure by the firm's administrator Deloitte.
They include the shops in Brownlow Street, Whit-church and at Shrewsbury's in the Meole Brace Retail Park.
Joint administrator Lee Manning said: "We have continued to review the performance of individual stores since our appointment a month ago and have concluded that further closures are necessary in order to restructure the company for sale.
"We would like to thank the company's employees for their support and professionalism during this difficult time.
"We are also grateful for the continued support of customers.
"We are in discussions with a number of parties interested in purchasing all or parts of the business and will update on progress in due course."
Customers will be notified when the closure date of each store is confirmed, to ensure that they can return outstanding rental films and games.
