Blockbuster set to make shock return to UK high street

A blast from the past!

The DVD and VHS vendor, which vanished from high streets in 2013 after going bust, will return for a limited time with a new pop-up shop in Soho, London.

The stunning return is in collaboration with KitKat and will be open from April 9 to April 12 to promote the the launch of KitKat’s new sharing bars range.

Visitors will get a blast from the past as they trawl through physical video cases that are something of a rarity these days due to the launch of streaming sites like Netflix. 

Customers to the store can also 'take a break' in the pop-up store's chill out zone.

Just as was customary in the 90s, customers will be able to experience retro TVs and 'rent' videos.

But it won't be a full-on blast from the past - with shoppers receiving a streaming code for their chosen film when they bring a VHS case to the payment counter.

Stephanie Scales, marketing manager for KitKat, told Metro: "It’s more important than ever to stay connected with others in today’s hectic world.

"Whether it’s with friends, family or loved ones, we want to take the nation back to when times were simpler and reclaim the joy of picking out a movie to watch together.

"By KitKat sharing bars partnering with Blockbuster to take cosy nights in together to another level, we hope that we can help Brits properly savour their downtime and break better!"

The first Blockbuster store in the Britain opened in south London in 1989. At its peak, it employed 84,300 people globally and operated 9,094 stores.

At the time of closure, it had 528 stores and employed 4,190 staff.