Independent Video Retailers Fight Back -- Integrated local online retail stores beat Blockbuster to market
In a 4th of July launch dubbed Independents Day," dozens of independent video retail stores have launched an online storefront that is fully integrated with their brick & mortar facilities. Using the stores websites, customers will be able to rent and buy from these Independent Video Retailers (IVRs) 24 hours a day, while enjoying the convenience of home delivery by mail or in-store FastPass Counterside pickup.
West Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB) July 6, 2005 -- In an aggressive response to a difficult ten-year period of consolidations and store closings, independent video retailers are fighting back against the national chains. In a 4th of July launch dubbed Independents Day," dozens of independent retail stores have launched an online storefront that is fully integrated with their brick & mortar facilities. Using the stores websites, customers will be able to rent and buy from these Independent Video Retailers (IVRs) 24 hours a day, while enjoying the convenience of home delivery by mail or in-store FastPass Counterside pickup. By offering sales, rentals, and subscription programs all under one roof, these stores are separating themselves from much larger national rivals Blockbuster and Netflix which only offer a portion of these services.
The technology powering the online retail stores is a product of the 24 Hour Video Store, a division of Intelliflix headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. We are very excited about the nationwide launch of these 24 Hour Video Stores, and helping them to deliver the 'Ultimate Video Store Experience to customers," commented Chris Hickey, CEO of the 24 Hour Video Store. Most of our 24 Hour Video Store locations carry at least twice the inventory and product selection as the national chains, and when coupled with online ordering and home delivery, it really is a tough combination for other video stores to compete with."
Todd Zaganiacz, owner of Video Zone located in South Deerfield, Massachusetts and a Board member of the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA), is excited about the addition of his online storefront, located at www.myvideozone.com. Our store was up and running in about two weeks" said Zaganiacz. We were able to deploy everything for a fraction of the cost of having a customized website built for our store, and it is also synchronized with our inventory on a real-time basis so customers know exactly whats available in the store. More importantly, the customers seemed very excited about it this 4th of July weekend."
The $10 billion dollar video rental industry has struggled with declining rental revenues recently, due in part to lower sell-through prices for DVDs at retail discounters as well as the growth of online services. In October of 2004, Netflix co-founder & CEO Reed Hastings demonstrated his confidence in his companys future by stating ...the only thing that is a certainty is that the video stores of America will be vacant." In response to Mr. Hastings comments, 24 Hour Video Store President Danny Carrao noted that These retailers now can offer everything that any national chain or online company can, and quite a bit more. Customers can view real-time and up-to--the second inventory at all 24 Hour Video Stores, and have more rental choices than any national competitor. The one thing that I know for sure is that the citizens of America are in for a great home entertainment experience."
24 Hour Video Store has created a national directory of Independent Video Retailers to encourage consumers to use this vast network for their home entertainment needs. This directory is at www.24hourvideo.com and consumers can find their nearest independent video store by entering any zip code in the country. "This is very similar to the websites that we built for the independent florists back in 2000" said Michael Soenen, Chief Executive Officer of floral retailer FTD. "From our perspective, it really helps the stores to connect to their customers locally."
This announcement demonstrates the continued strength of the independent video retailer in America," added Hickey. Many have denounced the independent video store as being a thing of the past. Were pleased with our 24 Hour Video Store product, and were confident that were helping the independent video store to be the video store of the 21st century."
About 24 Hour Video Store:
24 Hour Video Store is a division of Intelliflix, the nations fastest growing online movie and game rental service. Launched in 2004, Intelliflix utilizes company owned distribution facilities in addition to a nationwide network of independent video retailers (IVRs) to service both pay per rental and subscription customers. By providing consumers with twice the selection of the national chains along with the most distribution centers of any movie and game rental service in the US, Intelliflix has grown its customer base to include customers in all 50 states in addition to Guam and Puerto Rico.
The 24 Hour Video Store uses advanced technology to link video store websites to their in-store inventory on a real-time basis. This gives local video store customers the ability to use the internet to view available store inventory, rent and purchase movies and games, and receive home delivery or pre-paid FastPass Counterside pick-up.
For more information on the 24 Hour Video Store, a division of Intelliflix, visit http://www.24hourvideo.com or contact the company directly at 561-697-8325 or 561-541-2152.
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