VHS Tapes And Your Business

It’s 1997. Summer time. Friday night. Where are you going?

I’ll tell you where I would be found: Blockbuster Video.

Blockbuster was deeply a part of American culture in the 1980’s and 90’s. The latest movies lined the walls, along with your favorite classics, video games, even popcorn and candy were all right there at hand for some weekend fun.

Blockbuster had over 9,000 locations in its day.

That’s pretty wild. How did that even happen?

With the invention of the VCR, every town across this land had video rental stores. They were independently owned and operated, started by enthusiastic and adventurous types that were eager to be on the local forefront of technology and entertainment.

Blockbuster accomplished their world take-over by “Rolling Up” mom-and-pop video stores into the Blockbuster brand.

When a household brand name and offers to buy you out, it’s easy to say “yes”. Your store gets better systems and processes, a fresh look, your customers have more options and a better experience – this Roll Up was a win-win all around.

Roll Ups are not uncommon, but Blockbuster took this trail into the stratosphere.

(Before they were left behind by the digital age, that is.)

If you have a strong brand, a Roll Up could be the right strategy to take your business to the next level.

Onward and upward,
Simon Trask

P.S. – This story is from the last trail in Profit Hiker: 11 Trails to gain lasting elevation in your business. Find the book right here and the program over there.