Best Buy has announced its decision to cease all physical media sales, encompassing Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD formats, The Digital Bits first reported.
The move follows in the footsteps of streaming giant Netflix, which recently ended its iconic 25-year DVD delivery service, marking a significant leap towards the digital-only era.
SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 19: A salesman carries a Best Buy shopping basket as he takes inventory of DVD movies at a Best Buy store June 19, 2007 in San Francisco, California. Consumer electronics retailer Best Buy reported an 18 percent drop in first quarter to $192 million or 39 cents per share, down from $234 million or 47 cents per share one year ago.
Best Buy Ends Physical Media Sales
Best Buy's decision, slated for early 2024, possibly within the first quarter, signifies a monumental change in how consumers access their favorite movies and TV shows.
The announcement underscores the evolving media consumption landscape and its profound impact on traditional disc-based formats.
The withdrawal of Best Buy, one of the largest electronics retailers in the United States, from the DVD and Blu-ray market leaves a narrowing field of options for physical media enthusiasts.
The Physical Media Market
Engadget tells us that Walmart commands a substantial 45 percent market share, and Target continues to stock physical media in their brick-and-mortar stores.
Meanwhile, Redbox persists with its 29,000 DVD rental kiosk network, maintaining a foothold in the rental market.
Amazon remains a significant player for those who prefer online shopping and now stands as a potential alternative to Best Buy.
Paramount recently released exclusive Blu-ray and 4K Steelbook titles on the e-commerce platform.
The seismic change in media consumption habits has been in the making for years. The Digital Entertainment Group reports a staggering 28 percent drop in physical products sold during the first six months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
This sharp decline in disc purchases is an unmistakable consequence of the relentless rise of streaming platforms and digital content.
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A Hard Decision for Best Buy
Variety tells us that Best Buy, a retail giant with 1,129 store locations worldwide, including 969 in the U.S., has made this pivotal decision after reportedly contemplating it for nine months.
The consumer-electronics company's departure from the physical media market reflects a growing recognition that streaming services fundamentally reshape how people access and enjoy their entertainment.
Netflix's exit from the DVD delivery service, culminating on September 29, is another compelling sign that the age of physical media is waning.
The company, which revolutionized media distribution, allowed its customers to keep their final DVD copies, marking the end of an era. This dramatic move underscores digital platforms' enduring appeal and convenience over traditional disc formats.
Walmart, another key player in the retail landscape, has also been adapting to these changes. Recent reports suggest that the retail giant has been in talks with Studio Distribution Services (SDS), a joint venture between Universal Pictures and Warner Bros., to take over some aspects of its physical media operations.
In addition to retail shifts, these changes' impact extends to the industry's distribution side. Ingram Entertainment, a leading DVD distributor, has recently announced its decision to wind down operations after over 35 years in business.
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