Blockbuster Video goes bust in North Park

North Park's Blockbuster Video, at 2011 El Cajon Boulevard, is closing down forever. Signs at the North Park store indicate the entire inventory is being liquidated.

Parent company Blockbuster LLC was acquired by Dish Network back in 2011. Dish had planned to use all the Blockbuster outlets to expand its satellite TV marketing, and also offer cell-phone sales. That wireless business fizzled after Dish was reportedly unsuccessful in buying Sprint or the Clearwire broadband wireless network.

Dish has closed over 1000 of its video stores, resulting in major employee layoffs. Blockbuster has continued to lose money since Dish took it over.

Blockbuster's website shows three other area stores open: at 1555 Palm Avenue, San Diego; 2525 E. Plaza Boulevard, National City; and 2290 Otay Lakes Road, Chula Vista. A Reader request for comment from Dish corporate public relations did not receive a reply.

A local Blockbuster employee said the store will remain open until October 25.