Analysis of Blockbuster Video

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After watching Charlie Rose’s interview with Jim Collins; where Collins explains his recent book How the Mighty Fall, presented me with an opportunity to reflect over recent companies that were staples in my childhood and early adult memories and now are non-existent. In this paper, I will look, analyze and relate Blockbuster Video and their history to Jim Collins’ five stages of an organization.

Stage 1: Hubris Born of Success

In 1985, Blockbuster opened its first store in Dallas, Texas. After the first few stores opened, founder David Cook built a six million dollar warehouse, which could pull and package multiple stores in a day. Blockbuster’s ability to customize a store to its neighborhood, loading it up with films geared specifically to demographic profiles in addition to the popular new releases, and a sizable collection of catalog titles. Blockbuster had instant success. In the early 1980’s and 1990’s Blockbuster put neighborhood mom and pop video stores out of business by offering better selection and convenience. However, success like that enjoyed by Blockbuster can foster arrogance. For Blockbuster, arrogance meant they believed they could do anything within their stores. For example, Blockbuster purchased Sound Music and Music Plus chains. This move took Blockbuster from movies to music. Secondly, this Blockbuster Music meant they were no longer renting now they were selling.

Stage 2: Undisciplined Pursuit of More

According to Jim Collins, the undisciplined pursuit of more is reckless behavior, which sets the company at great risk even though their stock continues to climb. In my opinion, this was evident with Blockbuster as they decided to expand into everything entertainment and away from their ...

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...rp decline to their public-investors flee in all directions and, as a result, the company’s stock falls sharply.

Stage 5: Capitulation to Irrelevance or Death

The final phase according to Jim Collins is capitulation to irrelevance or death, which is growth declines and the company’s stock, is no longer popular. Unfortunately, for Blockbuster, a once thriving and growing retail movie rental store, which previously had taken down its competition entered this phase and would quickly lead to the company’s death. Satellite TV distributor Dish purchased Blockbuster at an auction in 2010. Immediately, Dish began to close retail locations. Most recently, in November 2013, Dish announced that it would close all the remaining company owned stores. In addition, Blockbuster’s DVD by mail and online programs would cease operations, too. As a result, Blockbuster died.

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