In less than 20 years, Blockbuster has grown from a single video rental store to more than 8,500 company-operated and franchised stores throughout the United States, its territories and 28 other countries. Blockbuster’s U.S. stores are a ubiquitous neighborhood feature, and are located within a 10-minute drive of an estimated 64 percent of the U.S. population. Attracting more than three million visitors on average each day, company-operated stores are open 365 days a year from 10 a.m. to midnight. Merchandise selection, quantity and formats are customized at the store level to meet the needs and preferences of local customers.

In 2002, Blockbuster announced its mission to become the complete source for movies and games – rental and retail. Already the leader in the $8.5 billion movie and game rental market, the Company set its sights on increasing its share of the retail market, which industry analysts project will grow to more than $30 billion by 2006. As part of the Company’s increased focus on retail, it introduced innovative programs and expanded its in-store selection of movies and gaming equipment, including hardware, software and accessories.

Blockbuster is committed to strengthening the communities it serves. The Company’s outreach programs and partnerships are designed to deliver measurable, positive results -- on both national and local levels. Major national initiatives include partnerships with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Children’s Miracle Network. Blockbuster also supports local schools with its “Good Grades, Free Rentals” program, providing free movie and game rentals to children, grades 1-8, who maintain A and B averages.

Blockbuster has an active diversity and intercultural focus, supporting several national organizations including the NAACP, LULAC, GLAAD and the National Urban League. For several years, Blockbuster has maintained premier sponsorships of preeminent minority film festivals including the American Black Film Festival (formerly the Acapulco Black Film Festival) and the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. In 2002, Hispanic Magazine recognized Blockbuster as one of the top 100 companies providing the most opportunities to Hispanics.

Blockbuster is a publicly-traded subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE:VIA, VIA.B), a leading global media company, with preeminent positions in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising and online.

In-Store Offerings
BLOCKBUSTER stores carry a broad selection of movie titles for rent, from the hottest new releases to a library of older titles. Blockbuster also is the leading renter of DVD, with the majority of the company's stores carrying hundreds of DVD units.

Blockbuster continues to explore ways to generate incremental profit through its store network. In September 2000, the company began marketing DIRECTV System equipment in approximately 3,800 of its U.S. stores. Through the success of this alliance, Blockbuster co-branded DIRECTV's pay-per-view movie service in June 2001, establishing the BLOCKBUSTER brand in the pay-per-view segment of the home entertainment industry for the first time.

Distribution Center
In 1998, Blockbuster opened a state-of-the-art distribution center in McKinney, Texas, just north of the company's Dallas headquarters. The 850,000 square-foot facility supports all company-operated stores in the United States.

updated May 2002

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