Physical Media Could Make A Comeback, As Netflix Is Planning To Open Up Brick And Mortar Stores

TV & Film

Oct 20

Everything is a cycle, it seems. Netflix was one of the main culprits behind brick-and-mortar stores such as Blockbuster going out of business, but now they’re looking to set up shop themselves.

Even though Netflix has just stopped sending out physical DVDs, and with places like Best Buy scrapping their DVD and Blu-ray department, the streaming giant is gearing up to dip its toes into the real world. Starting in 2025 in two unnamed cities in America, Netflix plans to open stores offering retail, dining, and live entertainment that leverage its TV shows and movies. What that will exactly entail is unclear at this time, as is information on whether or not they will be selling or renting physical media such as DVDs and Blu-rays.

This comes as a surprising announcement, given that the company has been faltering in the past few years due to multiple factors from increased competition to content criticism, such as the uproar over the film Cuties. This is hardly a proven business model, and the company could find itself in more trouble if it pours a ton of money into this venture that ends up failing. The odds are just as good that this won’t end up with seeing a Netflix store in every city. Either way, for at least two cities where this will be tried, this may be the best place to buy yourself a Squid Game T-shirt before eating your Queen’s Gambit-themed dinner.

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