MANUFACTURING IRISH INNOVATION

Carlos Marco, Managing Director, Original Video UK

Original video has transformed their innovative idea into a big success and enjoyed a prosperous first year in Ireland.

Who would have thought that a 2m² vending machine manufactured in the Spa town of Cheltenham would revolutionise the way in which people across Ireland rent DVD’s and games?

ORIGINAL IDEA

Original Video is the first and only UK and Ireland manufacturer of automated DVD rental vending machines and since launching in Gloucestershire last year they have experienced growth, sales, and placed numerous units across Britain and Ireland, giving them a strong start to their challenge to Blockbuster as the DVD rental market leaders in Ireland. The Original Video concept was originally launched in Spain and the brand expanded there to the extent that Blockbuster were forced to close all of their branches after declaring themselves bankrupt in Spain. The concept was bought to the UK and Ireland by Shell Live-Wire Entrepreneur of the Year finalist Carlos Marco in 2005, and its introduction into the British and Irish markets is proving successful. Marco says, “we saw the gap in the market, and felt that Original Video could recreate the Spanish success in the UK and Ireland”.

BUSINESS IN A BOX

With 15 units currently in operation and three more awaiting installment, Original Video has experienced rapid growth in its first year and has plans to position 50 more units by December 2007. Original Video offers a ‘business in a box’ which is the equivalent of a traditional 90m² Blockbuster store being housed in a 2m² unit. This alternative to the traditional Blockbusterstyle rental store focuses on client convenience and value for money. As the overhead costs for running the ‘store’ come down, so too do the rental costs. The fact the unit is useable 24 hours a day, seven days a week means that it fits into the 24 hour lifestyle in which a majority of the British and Irish public now live.

INTERNAL SOFTWARE

The machine operator has full access to the machine’s internal software program via the internet, providing precise statistics on rental patterns and takings. It also gives the operator access to details of non-returned items, as well as customer information. Original Video said the machines allow round-the-clock, 365 daysa- year operation, with movies rented by the hour at approximately a quarter the cost available with conventional store formats. The program also allows the owner to see the titles that are renting well and the ones that are not, and will also keep the operator updated on non-returned items. It tracks and reports inventory, sales, rental statistics and trends, meaning the business could be managed from anywhere in the world.

RAPID EXPANSION

Original Video has upcoming launches in Nenagh, Dublin and Limerick, and the brand is expected to expand to the tune of 25 machines operating in Ireland by the end of 2007. The success that Original Video has experienced in the UK and Ireland has led to the company expanding further with the opening of a manufacturing plant in Mexico to source the potentially huge US DVD rental market. Marco said “The concept is proving popular wherever we take it and we are very pleased with our continued international growth. Eventually we hope that Original Video will be the ‘New’ Blockbuster”.