Blockbuster UK appoints administrators

Blockbuster is the latest high street shop to fall victim to the recession, calling in administrators Deloitte, and putting more than 4,000 jobs at risk.

The chain - which has 528 shops in the UK - follows Jessops and HMV in collapsing this year, while Comet went under at the end of 2012.

Deloitte's Lee Manning said the chain had struggled in the face of competition from internet rivals.

Victim of streaming

"We are working closely with suppliers and employees to ensure the business has the best possible platform to secure a sale, preserve jobs and generate as much value as possible for all creditors," he said in a statement.

"The core of the business is still profitable and we will continue to trade as normal in both retail and rental whilst we seek a buyer for all or parts of the business as a going concern."

And gift cards are still valid, he added.

HMV went into administration just yesterday, with Deloitte appointed again. And Jessops went under last week. HMV puts 4,500 jobs at risk, while Jessops has more than 200 shops. So it's bleak times indeed for the high street.

Blockbuster US filed for bankruptcy back in 2010.

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Via Sky News