Blockbuster Stresses the New
ideo departments run by Blockbuster Entertainment Group here, in supermarkets and other host stores, carry an inventory that is nearly half new releases, according to the S-1 form filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission this month in preparation for the public offering of Blockbuster stock.
The document said the "stores-in-stores" are 1,000 to 1,400 square feet, and could be within department stores, supermarkets or other stores. "Each department carries about 2,400 copies of some 500 new releases, and 2,700 copies of 2,200 'Blockbuster Favorites' catalog titles. This strategy is being pursued to further expand our presence and meet demand in mature markets where we already have a strong presence," the document said.
Survey: Games Not Guilty
RESTON, Va. -- A recent on-line survey by PC Data here has found that 57% of consumers disagree with the idea that playing violent electronic games is likely to make people become violent. The study included 12- to 18-year-olds and their parents.
In addition, weekly sales data tracking violent video and computer games remained steady over April and May, indicating that consumers continued to buy these products.
"In the wake of last month's tragedy in Littleton, Colo., many fingers have pointed to violence in computer and video games as being the cause of such irrational behavior," said Ann Stephens, president of PC Data.
"However, our survey and retail tracking not only show that consumers believe TV violence is more of a threat, but that there has also been no corresponding reaction by the market against the purchase of popular action games."
