Wal-Mart Takes On Netflix

from the gorillas-and-small-fry dept

As was predicted a few weeks ago, Wal-Mart has started testing their Netflix alternative, letting people in certain locations rent DVDs on a subscription basis through the mail. I'm a bit surprised that the "test" doesn't seem to involve any tie-in with their stores (letting people rent and return to the actual stores, for instance). Anytime you're a small startup and companies like Blockbuster and Wal-Mart start "experimenting" in your space, it's probably a little scary. However, Netflix seems to think they have a big enough lead to stay ahead. Some reports have already said that Netflix currently has a better selection, and that some big name rentals were already out of stock at Wal-Mart, but those are issues that I'm sure Wal-Mart can correct quickly.
Hide this

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team


Follow Techdirt
Essential Reading
Techdirt Deals
Report this ad  |  Hide Techdirt ads
Techdirt Insider Discord

The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...

Loading...
Recent Stories

This site, like most other sites on the web, uses cookies. For more information, see our privacy policy. Got it
Close

Email This

This feature is only available to registered users. Register or sign in to use it.