Best Buy starting online movie store?

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 18 Apr 2009 6:50 User comments (3)

According to a Variety report, Best Buy is preparing to start its own online movie store, with a connection through CinemaNow and "other online movie services."

Although specifics are unavailable, and Best Buy has not confirmed or denied the report, it is believed the retailer will receive a cut of the revenues for each movie viewed and will promote the service through new media hubs with the movie services built-in.

The retailer also has a current listing searching for a Digital Movies Product Manager, which supports the report but could also mean nothing.

The deal would help Best Buy continue its strong sales in electronics while also accounting for the gradual slow of DVD sale growth.

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3 user comments

119.4.2009 15:53

sgriesch

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Unless the prices are extremely cheap, this will flop. Remember Circuit City and DIVX?

224.4.2009 05:41

KillerBug

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AfterDawn Addict

DIVX was an in-store purchase that burned out after a few days; this is an online purchase that (presumably) would give you unlimited rights to view the movie again and again. Still, netflix already does this on a subscription basis and already has a considerable selection of online titles.

324.4.2009 11:06

sgriesch

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Originally posted by KillerBug:
DIVX was an in-store purchase that burned out after a few days; this is an online purchase that (presumably) would give you unlimited rights to view the movie again and again. Still, netflix already does this on a subscription basis and already has a considerable selection of online titles.

Yes, I know exactly what DIVX was. I worked there when they sold it. The fact is that electronic stores have done horribly with these media subscriptions/services ideas. Best Buy promoted Rapsody and Napster, and that didn't do much for them. Best Buy ALSO promoted Netflix, which I've had a membership to since I worked there in 2003. Now they want to compete with it. There was one music service that Best Buy promoted really hard, and then they dropped it, and Circuit City picked it up. These things just tend to flop unless there is something unique about them. Netflix survived because it was the first of its kind. There's nothing new about an electronic rental service.

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Best Buy starting online movie store?

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