Lincoln Blockbuster safe for now as chain reenters administration

Lincoln jobs are temporarily safe while entertainment shop chain Blockbuster enters administrations for the second time this year.

The news was announced on October 29 by its present owners, private equity firm Gordon Brothers Europe.

Gordon Brothers Europe acquired the company at the beginning of they year, when Blockbuster’s troubles first began.

Initially, rental store Blockbuster cited increased competition with online stores and digital streaming for its collapse.

Gordon Brothers Europe took on the company with the idea of an increased focus on gaming.

However, these attempts have proved not quite as successful as the brand anticipated.

The administration will lead to around 32 redundancies at head office, but the 264 stores across the country will remain unaffected while a new buyer is sought, the company said.

There is a Blockbuster store at the Carlton Centre on Outer Circle Road in Lincoln, which will remain open for now.

The Blockbuster store on Moorland Close off Tritton Road in Lincoln closed in March, leading to up to 10 job losses.

Stores in Stamford and Wisbech were closed in February as more than 320 stores countrywide were shut.

Frank Morton, the chief executive of the Gordon Brothers Europe, said: “Since the acquisition we have worked extremely hard to reignite the Blockbuster brand, make our investment work and put the business on a viable footing.

“Despite our best efforts, we regret that we are now forced to make some redundancies and would like to thank any affected employees for their support during the last six months.”

Anyone who had pre-ordered the Xbox One, PS4, or games from the retailer will now have to request a refund, in writing, to Blockbuster, Harefield Place, The Drive, Uxbridge, UB10 8AQ, citing your name, the branch where the order was placed, your order number and a copy of the receipt that was given to you when the order was placed.

Blockbuster apologies for the inconvenience caused.