Retro Rewind Checks Out Still-Open Video Rental Stores

I don’t think it’s any small secret that I have a nostalgic fondness for Blockbuster Video and the days of video rental stores — I wrote a three–part series about it, after all. So whenever I see someone talk about their own memories, or better yet, finding an open location? Well, I’m keen to listen.

Chris Stuckmann’s “Retro Rewind” came across not just a video rental store that still exists in the U.S., but an actual Blockbuster Video. Yes, some are still around, if you can believe it, though they’re owned by franchisees, rather than corporate.

However, it appears that brand’s numbers are still diminishing.

Perhaps even more interesting than seeing what remains of my old stomping grounds are the other stores visited. The Discount Drug Mart Food Fair brought back memories of some in-store video rental sections that I saw in places like Rose’s, which is where I rented and saw my very first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoons. More impressive to me, though, is Family Video — never heard of the place, Eastern seaboard or no. I love that they have a pizza place right in the store that you can order from, fresh to go. Now that’s how you kick off a movie night!

I’m aware of only one video rental place around here, but sadly, they don’t do video games. I’d love to be able to go in and try some out before deciding whether or not to buy them for a small fee — less than the ludicrous costs that I remember them going for even a decade ago. Alas, I fear it is not to be.

Hm, we don’t have GameFly here in Canada, though. I wonder how a video game-exclusive rental store would do here?

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David Oxford is a freelance writer of many varied interests. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

David Oxford

David Oxford, or “LBD ‘Nytetrayn’,” as he is sometimes also known, is a freelance writer of many varied interests who resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

For a full list of places to find him online, click here.