Redbox Surpasses Blockbuster in Locations

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. — Redbox automated DVD rental kiosks are now in more U.S. retail locations than Blockbuster stores, redbox said yesterday. After launching 12 prototype locations in 2002, the company recently installed its 6,000th kiosk, is now available in 46 states and expects to be operational in every state in the continental U.S. by the end of this year. Redbox features a rent and return anywhere policy and a $1 per night price point. “We expect this growth to continue at a rapid pace through 2007 and beyond as redbox expands its leadership position and becomes a household name in communities nationwide,” said Gregg Kaplan, chief executive officer, Redbox Automated Retail. Each kiosk holds more than 500 DVDs, representing 100 to 150 of the newest movie releases, with new titles available every Tuesday. Consumers also can guarantee their favorite movie is in stock and waiting for them by reserving a DVD online and picking it up at the kiosk of their choice. In November 2007, redbox will install more than 400 new locations in markets including Baltimore; Dallas; Dayton, Ohio; Las Vegas; Little Rock, Ark.; and Roanoke, Va. Redbox machines are already in many supermarket chains, including Albertsons, Kroger, Stop & Shop, Wegmans and Giant Eagle, in addition to outlets of McDonald's Corp., which has an ownership interest in the company along with Coinstar.

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