Type: Private
On the web: http://www.columbiahouse.com

DVDs are the name of the game for Columbia House. Initially a 50-50 joint venture between entertainment giants Sony and Time Warner, Columbia House is a club-based direct marketer of DVDs and Blu-ray discs. The company sells more than 8,500 motion picture and television titles via mail order and online. After an inital period, customers can wait for the company's movie selection to arrive in the mail or choose a different title. Founded in 1997 as a music CD sales club, the company is part of Direct Brands (formerly Direct Group North America), which is owned by Arizona-based investment firm Najafi Cos.

Officers:
President and CEO: Internet & Mail-Order Retail

Competitors:
Amazon.com
Trans World Entertainment
Wal-Mart

© 2012 Hoover's, Inc. All rights reserved.