Local online DVD rental company, Quickflix, has recorded a boost in subscriber numbers despite tough competition in the market against bargain-priced sale DVDs and rising movie download numbers.

The total number of subscribers increased 102 per cent to 23,720 at December, compared to the same period in 2006, with 3,428 of these signing up in during the pre-Christmas spending period in December.

Of the subscribers, 3,717 are members on a trial basis, with the opportunity to become paying members.

In July last year, Quickflix signed a marketing deal with the country’s largest electronics retailer, Harvey Norman, which saw customers who spend over $75 in-store receive a $50 Quickflix voucher.

The deal included Quickflix posters and electronic advertisements in stores and online, encouraging customers to rent DVDs rather than download them.

“Harvey Norman is one of Australia’s leading retailers of home entertainment products. Our promotion with Harvey Norman gives us another opportunity to introduce Quickflix to a segment of Australian retail customers who have a specific interest in the home entertainment area,” said Quickflix CEO, Stephen Langford, in July.

“By redeeming the promotional voucher at the Quickflix website www.quickflix.com.au and  following our simple sign-up process, Harvey Norman customers will have access to over 26,000 movie, documentary and TV series DVD titles available to rent or purchase.”

Mr Langsford said much of Quickflix’s success was due to highly targeted marketing activity partnering with leading brand names, including Woolworths supermarkets.