Blockbuster futurehangs in balance asstore is set to close

A renewed blow to the area’s high streets has been dealt with a decision to close several Blockbuster stores including its branch in Shoreham.

By Neill Barston

Published 27th Jan 2013, 09:00 BST

The move, which also affects branches at Peacehaven and Hastings, was confirmed by the company’s administrators, Deloitte.

However, stores in Worthing and Littlehampton are presently set to remain open. In total, there will be 129 closures across the country, resulting in 760 of its 4,190 staff being made  redundant.

The company had come under increasing pressure from online companies including Netflix and Lovefilm, which have offered competitive deals for home delivery of movies.

Blockbuster has launched its own internet movie rental system. This has now been suspended, but administrators remain hopeful that at least part of the business can be saved with the right buyer.

The Herald approached the Shoreham branch of the store for comment. Its manager was unable to say more than confirming the shop was due to close.