"Brick and Mortar" stores aren't going anywhere anytime soon. While there are many people who make almost all their purchases from online retailers, I find that most people would rather go to a B&M store for a purchase.
All of my friends and relatives make their purchases at B&M stores because they don't have to wait or pay for shipping, they can physically "preview" their purchase, they can pay in cash instead of a paying with a credit/debit card, and it's far easier to make a return on an item. The only reason I've known them to make an online purchase is for a SIGNIFICANT discount (books, hardware, etc.), though, many B&M stores have become very competitive with online retailers.
NOTE: I am referring to the purchase of physical items in my comment. Most of my friends make software purchases online (i.e. Steam).
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"Brick and Mortar" stores aren't going anywhere anytime soon. While there are many people who make almost all their purchases from online retailers, I find that most people would rather go to a B&M store for a purchase.
All of my friends and relatives make their purchases at B&M stores because they don't have to wait or pay for shipping, they can physically "preview" their purchase, they can pay in cash instead of a paying with a credit/debit card, and it's far easier to make a return on an item. The only reason I've known them to make an online purchase is for a SIGNIFICANT discount (books, hardware, etc.), though, many B&M stores have become very competitive with online retailers.
NOTE: I am referring to the purchase of physical items in my comment. Most of my friends make software purchases online (i.e. Steam).
Sorry, there's no conspiracy. Blockbuster separated from Viacom in 2004. http://blockbuster.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press _releases&item=571