BLOCKBUSTER is returning to the high street years after the iconic shop closed down all its stores.
The 90s phenomenon will be reopening its doors in Soho, London for four days from April 9 in collaboration with KitKat.
Visitors will be able to reminisce whilst lounging in the pop-up store's chill out zone or scouring through stacks of video cases.
As part of the nostalgic experience, customers will also be able to enjoy retro TVs and “rent” a video like back in the day.
However, unlike in the 90s, film enthusiastswill choose a film and take the VHS case to the counter where they will be handed a streaming code for their chosen film.
They will also be given a KitKat, which they can enjoy whilst watching their favourite film.
Stephanie Scales, marketing manager for KitKat, told Metro:“It’s more important than ever to stay connected with others in today’s hectic world.
“Whether it’s with friends, family or loved ones, we want to take the nation back to when times were simpler and reclaim the joy of picking out a movie to watch together.
“By KitKat sharing bars partnering withBlockbusterto take cosy nights in together to another level, we hope that we can help Brits properly savour their downtime and break better!”
Over the years, the brand's influence across the world has been palpable, even when it was forced to close all of its stores.
In 2023, The internet was abuzz with rumours of the defunct chain's return after itswebsitequietly came back online last weekend with the cryptic clue: “We are working on rewinding your movie.”;
In 1989, Blockbuster was allegedly opening a store every 17 hours and by 2004 it had over9,000 stores across theUSand employed 84,000 people worldwide.
A decade later and the movie rental empire had crumbled. Its rusting shop fronts despairingly lined suburban streets, reminding its users of a bygone era before the rise ofNetflixand other streaming platforms.
The company filed for bankruptcy in the US in 2010 and 2013 in the UK.
Users rushed toTwitterto bask in the possibility of good news.
One said: “Whaaaaat is happening?! ls this the return of @blockbuster?! Oh how we’ve missed you!”;
Another asked: “Is Blockbuster coming back? I hope so, but it could just be some kind of streaming service. I would rather see the return of brick-and-mortar stores!”;
A third wrote: “Something is going on with the @blockbuster website... Do we get a little piece of our high school lives back? Is it just a tease? What’s the plan? Does anyone know?”;
BE KIND, REWIND I manage the world’s LAST Blockbuster – there could be big plans for a comeback & but we haven’t changed since the 90s
BLOCKBUSTER once had 9,000 stores and was a billion pound company - but now there is only one left worldwide.
Sarah Harding, 51, has been managing the last holdout of the beloved video rental store for nearly 20 years.
And her store looks just as it did back in the move market's 90s heyday, with aisles stacked with films, movie posters, and shelves well stocked with sweets & popcorn.
The store located in Bend, Oregon, became the only Blockbuster still standing in March 2019.
Movie fans were left heartbroken as the chain shuttered the 49 remaining franchise stores.
It ended decades of beloved family trips to pick up VHS tapes, DVDs, and sweet and salty snacks for a big night in.
