Wayzata Blockbuster Store Set to Close

Blockbuster Video has announced the store location in Wayzata is among 10 in Minnesota scheduled to close during the first quarter of 2012. 

The Star Tribune reported over the weekend that locations in Duluth, Apple Valley, Cottage Grove, Columbia Heights, Eden Prairie, Woodbury, Blaine, Savage and New Hope would also close.

Wayzata store manager Dan, who did not wish to provide a last name, said he would not comment on the closing, saying he had to "follow the rules." He did confirm, however, that about 10 employees work at the Wayzata Blockbuster but would not provide clarification on their fate after the store closes its doors—which he said would be "by the end of the month."

Rentals have ceased, and everything inside the Wayzata location is currently for sale—to include furniture and fixtures. Most video games and movies are tagged at deep discounts, and bargain hunters have already begun to scoop up choice titles.

The building on Wayzata Boulevard East is owned by Dallas-based C&H Investment Company, which pays state and local taxes on the parcel under Blockbuster Entertainment. Built in 1967, the parcel was bought in 1994 for just over $1.2 million and currently assesed at just over $1.3 million.