May 23, 2008
Staples Distribution
ATLANTA (May 23, 2008) – Flexplay Entertainment – the exclusive worldwide marketer of Flexplay® Time-Limited DVD technology – today announced a retail agreement with Staples, Inc., the world’s largest office products company.
Beginning in June, Flexplay No-Return DVD Rental™ will be available in 1,400 Staples stores throughout the U.S. Staples customers will be able to find their favorite new releases and box office hits in-store, and enjoy the convenience of Flexplay’s watch-it-anytime, nothing-to-return DVD rental program. Initial titles available at Staples will include Semi-Pro, The Kite Runner, There Will Be Blood, The Golden Compass, and many others.
Flexplay’s unique Time-Limited DVD technology puts the customer in control of the rental experience and eliminates the need to return the disc. Unlike a traditional DVD rental that begins when the customer receives the DVD, a Flexplay No-Return DVD Rental is activated by the customer, at their convenience, by opening the sealed inner pouch that contains the Flexplay DVD. Once opened, the Flexplay DVD delivers unlimited viewing for 48 hours in any standard DVD player. After that time, the disc becomes unplayable and can be safely recycled or discarded. Unopened Flexplay DVDs stay fresh in the package for about one year, providing consumers with a truly flexible and convenient “DVD on-demand” experience.
Flexplay DVDs will be available at an easy price point of $4.99 per movie.
“Staples is always looking for innovative ways to help make it easy for our small business customers,” said Mike Sacks, vice president of merchandising for Staples. “The new Flexplay offering enables us to give busy small business professionals the added convenience of being able to rent the latest movies while shopping for everyday supplies.”
Flexplay’s relationship with Staples expands its ability to reach the large and relatively untapped base of consumers who rarely rent or purchase DVDs at traditional video outlets, by bringing a new, more convenient DVD rental opportunity directly to the places those customers already shop. Other non-traditional retail outlets offering Flexplay No-Return DVD Rental include airport news stands, truck stops, travel centers, and convenience stores.
“Nearly everyone has experienced the frustration of renting a DVD and returning it unwatched, or paying fees for late or lost discs, or not having any new movies to watch because the old ones were not sent back. Our mission is to provide a more convenient and efficient DVD rental experience that gives the customer complete flexibility, ” said Joe Fuller, Flexplay executive vice president of marketing. “We’re delighted to be working with Staples to open this new product category and give their customer base of busy professionals and business owners a DVD rental option that lets them enjoy more movies, more often.”
