Blockbuster Inc., the Dallas-based video-rental chain, says it plans to close a store on Spokane's North Side after failing to reach an agreement on a new lease with its landlord there.

Randy Hargrove, the company's Dallas-based spokesman, says the store, at 9502 N. Newport Highway, will close its doors March 15. Its lease for the 5,500-square-foot space there, in a retail center just south of Northpointe Plaza, ends March 31.

The store employs 10 people, all of whom will be transferred to other Blockbuster stores here, he says.

Hargrove says the store's sales were not a factor in the decision to close it. The store opened in November 1994, he says.

"We held discussions with the facility owner about entering into another lease agreement, but ultimately weren't able to come to an agreement," Hargrove says. "Fortunately, we have nearby stores to continue to serve our customers."

Blockbuster still will have six stores in Spokane after the closure, including at 12208 N. Division, 8917 N. Indian Trail, 1318 S. Grand, 2501 E. 29th, 3901 N. Market, and 2223 W. Wellesley. It also has stores in Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney, and Hayden, Idaho.

The chain isn't planning to open or close any more stores here, he says.