Blockbuster: Now Showing at Marietta Gas Stations!

Gas stations are hoping that you still have money in the bank after paying $3.80 per gallon for gas, and Blockbuster is hoping that they are correct in assuming that everyone who buys gas rents movies.

If you live in Marietta or Smyrna, this nine-state deal is finally here! The QuikTrip at 1620 Austell Road, in Marietta, GA now has one of these kiosks. Both QuikTrip and RaceTrac stations have signed agreements with Blockbuster.

Blockbuster may finally trump RedBox in this new deal; not everyone shops at WalMart, but nearly everyone needs to get gas. Plus, the 24-Hour business day is gaining in popularity as businesses are staying open to cater to customers, and Blockbuster looks like it may be all too happy to join in.

Here are some interesting changes that are happening as a result of the new "24-Hour" movie rental model:

• Guys on dates no longer have to worry about when the movie store closes. The movie and gas can be taken care of in one place.
• Tired parents no longer have to race the clock to get the movie in between errands.
• College students can return movies at the crack of dawn, before classes start.
• Blockbuster now has a fighting chance that it may finally exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Gas station employees report a boost in profits from Blockbuster patrons buying extra food, drinks, and candies for "movie night." The gas station itself earns a tiny cut of the $1 rental fee. Customers who rent movies also convert into repeat business as movie returns often result in either a purchase or another movie rental.

Ultimately, everyone wins in this new marketing agreement.

Sources: Gas station employees, personal observations, and happy customers standing outside using the kiosks provided the information for this article. Legal Disclaimer: Companies' names used herein may possibly be trademarked and are owned by the respective companies named in this article. The names used herein are declared as Fair Use under reporters' First Amendment rights and Media Rights.