GEORGETOWN, S.C. —  Following the downward slump of the economy, the local Georgetown Blockbuster store closed quietly on Monday.

The franchise business, which operated out of leased property on North Fraser Street, had about six employees.

It was a privately-owned store, but shared the Blockbuster name, said Nicole Dinsman, regional manager for Blockbuster.

Nationwide, corporately-owned Blockbuster businesses are also closing.

The company, based out of Dallas, Texas, announced last year it planned to eliminate about 700 corporate-owned stores.

The store in North Myrtle Beach, which is owned by the Blockbuster corporation, is also in the process of closing.

Meanwhile, movie  and game lovers got real bargains at the Georgetown business this week, on videos and games for the Wii system.

“Anything that is left will be donated to the military and local charities.”

She had some information for Blockbuster customers, including those who had purchased discount movie offers.

Customers are being told:

*Movies that are still out should be returned,

*Blockbuster cards can be used at other locations.

*Discount cards that were purchased at the Georgetown Blockbuster can also be used in other locations.

An employee at the Litchfield Blockbuster said he has not heard about other Blockbuster closures in his area.

“We haven’t heard about Litchfield,’’ the employee said. “They usually close the stores at the beginning of the year. I think we’re fine. We still have a lease, so we’re good.”

The store in Georgetown, and other areas, closed in the face of mounting competition from online video providers and the “red box” vending systems, said Jim Porterfield, spokesman for Leasing Entertainment.

The employees will not be relocated to other Blockbuster stores, Porterfield said.

By Kelly Marshall Fuller

Kfuller@gtowntimes.com