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Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: ThePackLeader ()
Date: February 02, 2011 12:46AM

What's up with all of these shops vacating North Point Village Center lately? First the learning center went, then UPS, then the pet store, and now Blockbuster (All within six months)? I was told that the corporate management of the property was jacking up everyone's rent, but why the hell would someone do that during a recession?

Blockbuster is one of the main businesses at the shopping center, and it's been there ever since the place was built. It's ALWAYS busy too, with folks coming there from all over. If any store could make money, it was them. In turn, they also brought business to other nearby stores, and the same was true with Just Pets (Which is now the FOURTH damned beauty salon up there). The old learning center and UPS are still vacant as well, and I've never seen stores up there remaining vacant without plans having already been established through a new business that bought them out ahead of time.

My only theory is that Hudgins is increasingly pushing her high-rise image for all of the shopping centers, and this is her way of clearing out businesses ahead of her effort for such. What say you?

Soon enough, this place will become a ghost town if they keep up the dumb business practice of trashing well known, highly used local businesses.

==================================================================================================
"And if any women or children get their legs torn off, or faces caved in, well, it's tough shit for them." -2LT. Bert Stiles, 505th, 339th (On Berlin Bombardier Mission, 1944).

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: wally pip ()
Date: February 02, 2011 02:00AM

I've seen this thing of jacking up rents at a number of shopping centers in the area. Seems to be some concerted effort to clean out older stores. Don't quite understand it in this economy but I ain't no master of high finance.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Blockbuster ()
Date: February 02, 2011 02:17AM

In regards to Blockbuster, they're just following through with their plan of shuttering a large number of their stores. The obvious competition from Netflix and Red Box have placed them in a very precarious position.

As to the other vacancies, I suspect that there's probably a combination of the economy (lower revenues) and even some market cannibalism happening. Lately, with all new strip centers that have opened in the past few years, they all seem to offer the same assortment of stores. It makes it hard to survive when the same store is competing with yours and it's just a few blocks away. This could or couldn't be the case with your shopping center -- I'm not sure what the competition is like there.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: blockbust ()
Date: February 03, 2011 10:35PM

Did you know that Blockbuster literally laughed Netflix out of their office 10 years ago when they tried to link up with them?

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20025235-261.html

Hard to beleive any of them are still open - between Netflix and Redbox, what's the point?

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Mr. Misery ()
Date: February 03, 2011 11:30PM

I would feel like the lowest scum on earth renting a movie from one of those Redboxes..........it just looks so.....low rent. Sad, really. I wouldn't be caught dead near one of those things.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: trogdor! ()
Date: February 03, 2011 11:49PM

Blockbuster is failing because of my personal boycott of them which started in 1998. It's been a long time coming, but I'm finally bringing them down.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Sounds Awesome! ()
Date: February 03, 2011 11:58PM

trogdor! Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Blockbuster is failing because of my personal
> boycott of them which started in 1998. It's been
> a long time coming, but I'm finally bringing them
> down.


I love real life David vs. Goliath stories. Well done!

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: 496 ()
Date: February 04, 2011 09:23AM

Mr. Misery Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would feel like the lowest scum on earth renting
> a movie from one of those Redboxes..........it
> just looks so.....low rent. Sad, really. I
> wouldn't be caught dead near one of those things.


Redbox kicks ass on Cockbuster if for nothing else, the convenience factor.
I'm in Trog's boat. I boycotted Cockbuster yrs ago. F them.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Date: February 04, 2011 09:31AM

Blockbuster - Is obsolete and going bankrupt

Pet store - Can't compete with PetSmart, Wal-Mart and the Internet

UPS Store - Misguided attempt by UPS to compete with FedEx Office. I wouldn't be surprised if UPS Stores go the way of Gateway Stores.

As for the lease issue, it would be surprising if all three stores had leases that all ended around the same time. I think it is probably financial issues for the stores, not the landlord.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Les ()
Date: February 04, 2011 10:04AM

Fox Mill Pets, Clocktower Petco, and Pets Plus have all closed up in Reston/Herndon since Petsmart opened in the old Sutton Gourmet location in Reston.

There used to be a decent bookstore at Northpoint but it closed when Barnes & Noble moved into Reston. They moved to Leesburg and folded. All that's left is the big chain stores, B&N and BAM with Borders on the verge of folding.

I noticed a number of recent closures in Plaza America, Hunters Woods, South Lakes, and Fox Mill. At least 1 to 3 stores have shuttered since the beginning of the year. I would bet the same or more if you go to Dulles Town Center.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: vgnlinfxn ()
Date: February 04, 2011 10:14AM

I was upset about Just Pets closing. No, they cannot compete with Petsmart on prices, but Petsmart sells a lot of shitty products. I have a dog with allergy issues. Due to that, I have learned a lot about dog nutrition. All but one brand of food available at Petsmart is not very good. That one brand doesn't agree with the little pain in the ass, so now I have to go all the way to Fairfax to get food. It's not a huge deal, it's not like you have to buy dog food on a daily basis, but I liked the store.

How does Radio Shack stay in business? I hardly ever see people in there.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Making_stuff ()
Date: February 04, 2011 10:19AM

That's too bad that Just Pets is going. Back when we started dating about a decade (or more, I guess!) ago, we used to look at the puppies in the window. Our beagle is actually from Just Pets.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Les ()
Date: February 04, 2011 10:37AM

There's still Pet Valu in South Lakes.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: 496 ()
Date: February 04, 2011 11:08AM

vgnlinfxn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was upset about Just Pets closing. No, they
> cannot compete with Petsmart on prices, but
> Petsmart sells a lot of shitty products. I have a
> dog with allergy issues. Due to that, I have
> learned a lot about dog nutrition. All but one
> brand of food available at Petsmart is not very
> good. That one brand doesn't agree with the
> little pain in the ass, so now I have to go all
> the way to Fairfax to get food. It's not a huge
> deal, it's not like you have to buy dog food on a
> daily basis, but I liked the store.
>
> How does Radio Shack stay in business? I hardly
> ever see people in there.


Because it's now "The Shack", baby.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Date: February 04, 2011 11:14AM

vgnlinfxn Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> How does Radio Shack stay in business? I hardly
> ever see people in there.


Remember the room in the back where they used to keep the transistors? It's now a nerd-oriented titty lounge...

nerd.jpg

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: I Thought ()
Date: February 04, 2011 11:22AM

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
>
> UPS Store - Misguided attempt by UPS to compete
> with FedEx Office. I wouldn't be surprised if UPS
> Stores go the way of Gateway Stores.
>

I thought the UPS Stores were franchises. Am I correct on this?

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Date: February 04, 2011 11:25AM

I Thought Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> >
> > UPS Store - Misguided attempt by UPS to compete
> > with FedEx Office. I wouldn't be surprised if
> UPS
> > Stores go the way of Gateway Stores.
> >
>
> I thought the UPS Stores were franchises. Am I
> correct on this?

I'm not sure. They bought up Mailboxes Etc. Even if they are franchises, there are plenty of defunct ones out there. Remember Kenny Roger's Roasters?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Bob in Southeast Loudoun ()
Date: February 04, 2011 11:34AM

blockbust Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Did you know that Blockbuster literally laughed
> Netflix out of their office 10 years ago when they
> tried to link up with them?
>
> http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20025235-261.htm
> l
>
> Hard to beleive any of them are still open -
> between Netflix and Redbox, what's the point?

Blockbuster finally opened some blue box Blockbuster Express kiosks that work perfectly fine, but like Borders' belated foray into e-books, probably too little too late.

What goes around comes around for so many of these companies.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Date: February 04, 2011 11:41AM

Bob in Southeast Loudoun Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

>
> Blockbuster finally opened some blue box
> Blockbuster Express kiosks that work perfectly
> fine, but like Borders' belated foray into
> e-books, probably too little too late.
>
> What goes around comes around for so many of these
> companies.

Even though Blockbuster's business model became obsolete due to technology, it didn't help that they treated customers like shit for years. Fucking charges for stupid shit. Being hounded for a late fee. In their heyday, they were kind of pricks because they really had not competition.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Making_stuff ()
Date: February 04, 2011 11:45AM

2nded. Blockbuster drove me away from doing business with them because of the ridiculous fees and the general rudeness of their employees.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Busting Blockbuster's Balls ()
Date: February 04, 2011 12:22PM

Blockbuster can't go under fast enough - as far as I'm concerned. We had 2 movies that were returned late. The fees were something like $10.50. We didn't use Blockbuster for a 2 or 3 month period, so we were not aware of these late fees. Blockbuster also did not call us to inform us about these late fees. What did they do? The sent the amount of $10.50 onto a credit collection agency. We were a bit shocked by getting the bill from the agency, which we promptly paid.

However, Blockbuster suck and will continue to suck until they're 6 feet under, in my opinion.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Date: February 04, 2011 12:30PM

Busting Blockbuster's Balls Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Blockbuster can't go under fast enough - as far as
> I'm concerned. We had 2 movies that were returned
> late. The fees were something like $10.50. We
> didn't use Blockbuster for a 2 or 3 month period,
> so we were not aware of these late fees.
> Blockbuster also did not call us to inform us
> about these late fees. What did they do? The
> sent the amount of $10.50 onto a credit collection
> agency. We were a bit shocked by getting the bill
> from the agency, which we promptly paid.
>
> However, Blockbuster suck and will continue to
> suck until they're 6 feet under, in my opinion.


One time we forgot to put a DVD back in the box before we returned it to Blockbuster. Did the Blockbuster store contact us? No. A month later we receive a bill from the company for the entire amount of the DVD. I found the DVD, brought it to the store and gave the manager there a rash of shit. They obliged us by just charging the late fee.

Fuckers.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Making_stuff ()
Date: February 04, 2011 01:27PM

Busting Blockbuster's Balls Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Blockbuster can't go under fast enough - as far as
> I'm concerned. We had 2 movies that were returned
> late. The fees were something like $10.50. We
> didn't use Blockbuster for a 2 or 3 month period,
> so we were not aware of these late fees.
> Blockbuster also did not call us to inform us
> about these late fees. What did they do? The
> sent the amount of $10.50 onto a credit collection
> agency. We were a bit shocked by getting the bill
> from the agency, which we promptly paid.
>
> However, Blockbuster suck and will continue to
> suck until they're 6 feet under, in my opinion.


We've had the same thing happen in our house. Was around 2006-2007, I think. I was really surprised. Ours was also a stupidly low amount - like $10-15 dollars or so.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: I am Mr Erol ()
Date: February 04, 2011 02:35PM

News flash!
Erols is making a comeback and will dominate Redbox.and Netflix. This will be possible with their exclusive rights in the distribution of movies on a new form of media dubbed 'Betamax'
Stay tuned more to follow!

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: The Dragger ()
Date: February 04, 2011 02:41PM

Mr. Misery Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I would feel like the lowest scum on earth renting
> a movie from one of those Redboxes..........it
> just looks so.....low rent. Sad, really. I
> wouldn't be caught dead near one of those things.

How do you know that you wouldnt be caught dead near a Redbox disseminator?
If I ever.find you lying dead in a Giant I will drag you within 3 feet of the nearest Redbox Machine.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Weather dud ()
Date: February 04, 2011 10:31PM

Blockbusters business model was late fees. Crazy you know?

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: erols e-mail ()
Date: February 04, 2011 10:48PM

I am Mr Erol Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> News flash!
> Erols is making a comeback and will dominate
> Redbox.and Netflix. This will be possible with
> their exclusive rights in the distribution of
> movies on a new form of media dubbed 'Betamax'
> Stay tuned more to follow!


Every once in a while I see someone with an Erols e-mail address. Are they still e-mailing their buddies on Compuserve from their Apple IIgs? Storing their data on 5 1/4 floppies?

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: North Pointer ()
Date: February 04, 2011 11:01PM

Why is that every restaurant in North Point sucks ass? I think I've eaten in every one - they all suck. Even the chains like Jerry's and California Tortilla are worse than other locations. Maybe if there was a decent restaurant in there, the other shops wouldn't close up.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: kaya ()
Date: February 04, 2011 11:51PM

bittorrent ftw

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Don't Be Too Surprised ()
Date: February 05, 2011 06:29AM

I am Mr Erol Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> News flash!
> Erols is making a comeback and will dominate
> Redbox.and Netflix. This will be possible with
> their exclusive rights in the distribution of
> movies on a new form of media dubbed 'Betamax'
> Stay tuned more to follow!


Anything is possible. There are still people with Erol's e-mail and Internet accounts.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: RestonNeighbor ()
Date: May 01, 2011 11:08AM

I heard the UPS store closed because the owner retired.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: Farifax1 ()
Date: May 01, 2011 02:22PM

Baileys Crossroads Blockbuster closed without notice. They were open last week but store is empty today. Sad

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: donut lover ()
Date: May 01, 2011 05:43PM

vgnlinfxn, there is a new holistic pet store with a wide range of products not far from North Point called Whole Pets--it is only a few minutes down Baron Cameron from Trader Joes. My dog is also on a special food which Whole Pets carries. I used to have to drive to Vienna but now I can get it much closer. And they seem very willing to special order anything for you and the staff is helpful.

I have noticed a lot of stores going out of business, too, in Reston. I just assumed it was the economy. In the tall oaks center, the big supermarket, which used to be Giant, changed companies twice and now it is vacant again. And the Books a Million in Plaza America is going out of business that that is a huge space.

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Re: Reston Blockbuster Closing, Multiple Vacancies
Posted by: donut lover ()
Date: May 08, 2011 07:17PM

Does anybody know what is going into the Books a Million space in the Plaza America shopping center in Reston? That is quite a large space and the store is closing. Thanks!

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