The number of Blockbuster stores continues to shrink. Reuters is
reporting that Dish Networks will close 300 stores in the coming weeks. This could lead to as many as 3,000 layoffs. There was a
report last month that the stores would be used to sell smartphones. That could still happen, but it won't happen fast enough to save another round of closures.
Chain Store Age reports that Dish closed around 500 Blockbuster stores last year. There are currently only about 800 Blockbuster stores remaining, so the new round of store closings will leave about 500 remaining stores. A
report in April, 2011 said Dish planned to keep leases on about 500 stores after acquiring the struggling DVD rental chain, so it is right on target. Blockbuster had over 4,000 stores in 2009.
