10 Once-Popular Video Rental Stores You Forgot About
Take a look at video rental stores that were once thriving but have faded from memory.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Before streaming took over, video rental stores were the heart of movie nights. Some chains had nationwide fame, while others had a cult following in certain regions. Many of these stores disappeared when digital convenience replaced physical rentals, but their impact on pop culture remains. Here is a look back at some once-iconic video rental stores that are now just a memory.
1. Blockbuster
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Blockbuster was the giant of the video rental industry, with thousands of stores worldwide. It was the go-to place for weekend movie nights, filled with VHS tapes and later DVDs. Streaming eventually made it obsolete, leaving only one location as a nostalgic relic.
2. Hollywood Video
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Hollywood Video was one of the few chains that could compete with Blockbuster. Known for its purple and yellow color scheme, it attracted customers with special promotions and rewards programs. Despite its success, it could not survive the digital shift and closed its doors in 2010.
3. Movie Gallery
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Movie Gallery was a smaller chain that quietly gained a loyal customer base. It was known for its neighborhood-friendly vibe and reasonable late fees. Like many others, it struggled to compete with streaming services and eventually shut down.
4. West Coast Video
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West Coast Video was a beloved regional chain that peaked in the 1980s and 90s. Despite being a chai, it had a cozy, mom-and-pop feel. As demand for physical rentals declined, locations began shutting down one by one.
5. Family Video
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Family video outlasted many of its competitors, surviving well into the 2020s. Its business model included selling real estate to keep stores afloat. Eventually, this strategy could not prevent its downfall, and the chain closed in 2021.
6. Suncoast Motion Picture Company
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Suncoast was not just a video rental store; it was a movie lover’s paradise. It specialized in rare VHS tapes, collectibles, and movie memorabilia. While rentals were only part of its business, it could not keep up with the digital shift and faded away.
7. Planet Video
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Planet Video was a hidden gem for film buffs, offering an extensive collection of indie and foreign films. It catered to those who wanted more than mainstream Hollywood hits. Unfortunately, the niche audience was not enough to sustain it.
8. Take One Video
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Take One Video was not a massive chain but a community staple in many small towns. It thrived on personalized service and staff recommendations. Streaming made it difficult for local stores like this to survive.
9. Video Update
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Video Update was known for its affordable rental prices and frequent sales. It appealed to rental prices and frequent sales. It appealed to budget-conscious movie lovers who wanted a cheap weekend rental. Like others, it could not withstand the rise of streaming services.
10. RKO Warner Video
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RKO Warner Video had a brief but memorable run, renting out classic films alongside new releases. Its unique selection made it a favorite for classic movie lovers. Its legacy faded as VHS tapes became obsolete.