Deloitte has estimated 50-70% of Blockbuster could remain open following the DVD rental chain’s administration on Wednesday.
The administrator said it was hopeful a buyer could be found for a “profitable core” of the 528-branch business. All stores will remain open while a rescuer is sought. Blockbuster is the latest high-street casualty, following those of Comet, Jessops and HMV. CBRE said retail administrations since late 2008 had cost landlords £1.48bn in rent. CBRE said it was unlikely 2013 would be as bad as 2012 in terms of major retail administrations but retail vacancy rates would almost certainly rise this year with some high streets in “terminal decline”.
17/01/13 Financial Times 16
Times 6, 35, 38
Daily Telegraph B1, B4
