Blockbuster clutches at digital straws

New York (NY) - There’s a new twist in the revolving door of new Blockbuster concepts, this time including the implementation of digital download kiosks and stocking books.

Blockbuster is talking about new steps it will try to take in order to bring back some life to its flailing in-store business. Ideas in the pipeline include download stations where users could buy videos and other content to immediately transfer to compatible portable devices.

The retail chain also said it is working on an "interactive area" for children. One of the more grounded ideas is to implement demo kiosks for the current generation video game consoles, which are already prevalent at electronics stores nationwide.

On the less technological side, it will start selling books and made-to-order beverages at some high-traffic locations over the next several months.

As the explosion of Internet video continues, Blockbuster finds itself intensely under the pressure of reinvigorating an old-school process. It has an online rental service to combat Netflix, and earlier this year it finalized a deal to acquire the video download site Movielink.

Some of the store’s new policies, such as the elimination of late fees and free rentals for online subscribers, have caused losses that it has been unable to recuperate.

Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes talked about the plans at a conference today in New York. Reuters quoted him as saying, "We believe we’re going to very aggressively by (the first quarter) ... have these prototypes in place ... and learn how customers perceive our stores differently."