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Wal-Mart eyeing digital movie downloads

15 September 2006 17:38 by Ben "Lethal_B" Reid | 7 comments

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., which currently accounts for about 40% of all DVD sales in the United States, is preparing to expand into the online movie downloads category, according to CNNMoney.com.

Citing sources, CNN say that Wal-Mart is accelerating its efforts to launch a digital movie download service in the months ahead. With Amazon introducing Unbox, and Apple launching its new movie download store, the company is reportedly eager to "dive in" and protect the dominance that it's gained through the DVD market.

The retailing giant is apparently debating price models, whilst keeping an open mind on the service itself. One option Wal-Mart is considering is a free digital download of the movie along with a purchase of the DVD version at a Wal-Mart store. Another concept reportedly being considered is allowing customers purchase a download of the movie for a few extra dollars when they buy the DVD version at the store.

A report issued late last year stated Wal-Mart was also considering installing in-store kiosks where consumers could download films on to portable discs using digital technology.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Jolanda Smith refused to confirm nor deny intentions to launch a new movie download service later this year. "Our customers want to watch movies and they want to be able to make the choice when and how they want to view them," she said in an email to CNNMoney.com. "We believe many of our customers like to touch and feel the movies in-store and receive additional benefits such as the bonus features not currently available online. We intend to meet our customers needs whether they choose to purchase movies online or in the store and will continue to work hard with all our partners to do that."

Source:
CNNMoney.Com

Permalink to this article

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Discuss this article!
borhan9 (AfterDawn Addict) 15 September 2006 19:21
Well in Australia we dont have Wal-marts. For us its called K-Mart. It seems to me that everyone wants a peice of the digital online pie. Quote: A report issued late last year stated Wal-Mart was also considering installing in-store kiosks where consumers could download films on to portable discs using digital technology. This is the only thing i like about the new direction wal mart wants to take. I know with some CD stores in OZ have started to do this with music CD's. I hope they work on this and not over blow things that they may not have any clue about. [ + quote]
limelight (Member) 16 September 2006 5:40
If I buy the DVD version, why do they think that some people will be willing to pay "a few extra dollars" to download it???? [ + quote]
Saber9 (Junior Member) 16 September 2006 7:57
Isn't the whole idea of downloading so you don't have to go to the store? [ + quote]
Nealio (Member) 16 September 2006 8:24
Yeah this sounds kinda dumb if you ask me. [ + quote]
Skitzy (Member) 16 September 2006 12:38
as long as they keep the DVD chips off the blank media... I see an outlet for Ritek all ready... because you know as long as theres digital downloads... theres mass torrenting as well... [ + quote]
neurokasm (Member) 17 September 2006 12:39
Boycott Wal-Mart. [ + quote]
gogochar (Senior Member) 19 September 2006 7:59
Just don't buy any music at all. Listen to internet radio. [ + quote]