Blockbuster administrator Deloitte to close a further 164 stores

Deloitte said the remaining 235 stores will continue to trade as normal while administrators progress negotiations with bidders. It added that a “number of parties” are interested in purchases of all or parts of the business.

GA Europe is among those parties to have lodged a bid to run the business as a going concern.

There will be a number of closing down promotions across the stores to supplement those already on offer across the estate.

Deloitte said closing stores will remain open for business as usual and customers will be notified in advance of closure so that they can return their outstanding rental items beforehand.

Joint administrator Lee Manning said: “We have continued to review the performance of individual stores since our appointment a month ago and have concluded that further closures are necessary in order to restructure the company for sale. We would like to thank the company’s employees for their support and professionalism during this difficult time and we are also grateful for the continued support of customers.

“We are in discussions with a number of parties interested in purchasing all or parts of the business and will update on progress in due course.”

Blockbuster collapsed into administration last month after facing strong competition from online competitors combined with the economic downturn.

Deloitte declined to provide a store closure list.