Sunday, January 23, 2022

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

A visit to the old Blockbuster Video store in Fallowfield, Manchester.


Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

I took another look at the former Blockbuster Video store at Fallowfield Retail Park while driving back from Manchester city centre on Saturday 22nd January.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

The unit next door has now closed down and there are plans to create a new supermarket on the site.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
The graffiti wasn't there the last time I looked

It'll be a shame to see this video shop relic from another time lost forever. It's an interesting and fun little time capsule.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
All Rental Returns

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)

I first noticed the remains of the Blockbuster Video store while driving to Manchester in October 2019.

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
The sign that first caught my attention

Blockbuster Video in Fallowfield, Manchester (January 2022)
Someone has tried posting something in the QuikDrop box!




Blockbuster Video Stores

The first Blockbuster Video store opened in Dallas, Texas, USA in 1985.

At its peak in 2004 there were more than 9,000 stores around the world. 500+ of which were in the UK.

Blockbuster ceased operations in the UK in December 2013. At the start of that year there were 528 Blockbuster locations in the UK. The number dwindled until October when only 264 shops remained. The remaining stores closed on the 16th December.

There is now just one Blockbuster Video store left open. It's in Bend, Oregon, USA.

However, the UK's high streets, shopping precincts, malls and retail parks still hold traces of the brand. And we've been to most of them!

We've now been to 27 former Blockbuster Video stores since we found the remains of the Fallowfield shop.

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