Wal-Mart Winds Down VHS Sales

Wal-Mart said Thursday that it plans to stock about 2,800 of its stores with a special Academy Awards section of DVDs including popular titles that many of its consumers may own on VHS. The company is clearing out the last of its inventory of the aging format and spots a new market opportunity.

"It's the right timing to have these classics highlighted and available on DVD at an even better value, so that everyone who loves movies can replenish or create a new, personal movie collection," Wal-Mart Entertainment senior vice president Gary Severson said.

Pricing on the DVDs would range from $7.50 to $13.72 USD, and would sport a special "O" DVD sleeve to allow consumers to spot these discs. Titles such as "Rain Man," Forrest Gump," and "Gone With the Wind" would be included in the promotion.

In addition, the retail giant said many of this year's nominees would also be included in its video download service, launched earlier this month.

Wal-Mart recently remodeled its electronics section to allow for a better variety of products, as well as to include bigger ticket items such as HDTVs. The company said it would continue to stock low-cost DVD players, some under $30 - cheaper than VCRs ever were, even at the height of their popularity.

The retailer is also committing to bringing next-generation entertainment technology to the consumer at affordable prices. "Now our goal is to make the next generation of home entertainment, whether that be Blu-ray, HD DVD, video downloads or other, more accessibility and more affordable for all consumers, just as the DVD is today," Severson said.