While very few teenagers remember Blockbuster, many are much more familiar with other video stores among the likes of Disc Replay and Family Video, but will a video store up-and-comer blow each of these corporations out of the water?
Most everyone is familiar with the Netflix that the global population has grown to love: subscribers turn on the TV or get on their phone, open Netflix, and watch their favorite shows. With the great success that Netflix has already had, they want to take their customer’s experience to the next level by opening brick-and-mortar store locations across the country.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Netflix follow the same track that Blockbuster, Disc Replay, and Family Video took–but they have some other tricks up their sleeve. In fact, they don’t plan to sell television shows, movies, or ant videos at all in their stores. Instead, the popular streaming corporation plans to sell merchandise and create an environment that allows customers and subscribers to be immersed in their favorite shows’ universes.
The biggest gamble will be determining whether there is actually a market for this type of venue. While Netflix remains popular among adults, it is seeing the rate of teens using their program increase. As of 2023, 25% of the Netflix fan base is below the age of 18. It is still unknown whether or not the Netflix store locations would be geared even remotely towards their adolescent fans. EHS Sophomore Dylan Meyers is skeptical of Netflix’s first two locations: “The only time I’d go is if I was already around there,” he notes, expressing his distrust in the streaming corporation’s plans.
Feedback about Netflix’s plans to open theme-stores hasn’t been all negative. Elkhart High School Sophomore Lucas Karbalaeali was more open to Netflix’s proposed expansions. “I would visit the [Netflix] stores, just to see what it’s like. If it’s cool, I’d definitely go back.”
The idea of Netflix opening up brick-and-mortar stores leaves many on the internet skeptical, but fans of the world’s largest video streaming service remain hopeful that this will open up a new chapter for Netflix and allow fans to enjoy their favorite shows vicariously through immersive stores.
