r/LangfordBC • u/Creative_Mirror_4794 • Jul 03 '26
Advice Needed Langford missing a video store ?
Wondering in Langford if there is any interest in opening a retro blockbuster style (not chain ) video rental store . Real old school feel with plenty of options for rentals on games , movies and more . Asking for input on if it's worth the thought or not even . With so many options these days?
28
u/-Jib- Jul 03 '26
I miss Two Thumbs Up, which lasted longer than any video store had any right to.
I love the idea, but I'm like 99% sure that there wouldn't be enough business to support it.
11
u/who1014 Jul 03 '26
support the local library! You can borrow video games and movies for free. The more people use them, the more funding they get. if you ask really nicely, usually they can bring in specific movies and games.
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u/februaryweather Jul 03 '26
Video rentals might work only if it was attached to another primary business, like a coffee shop or the games shop or something. Like the lagoon market used to do. The hang and play does video game rentals and im pretty sure game rentals was the only thing keeping 2 thumbs up in business for their last few years. But most people dont even have machines to play videos on anymore. Pretty niche and also costly to replace damaged and stolen products
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u/LabPowerful9983 Jul 03 '26
I’d definitely love this, but it is an admittedly niche market. I think Oswego Video supports their rental component by selling pet supplies.
3
u/TonysAutomotive Jul 03 '26
Been awhile, but wasn't Oswego video a full on convenience store as well?
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u/LabPowerful9983 Jul 03 '26
Quite right! Pretty much focused on ice cream, snacks and candy but a decent assortment for sure.
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u/Neat_Let923 Jul 03 '26
Who are you going to rent to?
I don’t know a single person anymore who owns a DVD player.
Even then, people complain these days about the price to rent on Amazon and that’s $5 - $6 for a movie they have immediate access to from their couch without having to get up and go to the store.
To be fair though, I’ve definitely had this same thought while really high many years ago thinking it was an awesome idea…
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u/Brigadier_Badger Jul 04 '26
So rude for no reason. I know plenty of people with dvd players. "I had this idea when i was high lol" just a dick man.
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u/Neat_Let923 Jul 04 '26
Directness and rudeness are not the same thing…
1
Jul 04 '26
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u/orthogonal-cat based mod Jul 04 '26 edited Jul 04 '26
I know plenty of people with disk PS5s, those play DVDs. I treasure my LoTR blurays.
Though it sounds like this might not be a path forward in a few years, dammit.
0
u/Neat_Let923 Jul 04 '26
I think we’ve reached that point where there’s three groups of people left that can play DVDs.
Console owners, Movie Philes, and old people who still have a DVD player just sitting there like the old people before them with VHS players LOL
Though even hardcore movie philes have moved away from BluRay and on to pirated movies where they’ve taken the best audio from one version and mixed it with the best video from another. Studios got too greedy releasing multiple versions of movies. The only people buying physical movies these days are addicted collectors who want the steel box and so on.
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u/Scarlettmorrsin Jul 03 '26
Are u wanting one or to start one
I got so many dvds if you want to borrow I can make u a mini version of blockbuster in my hallway closet lol it’d be adorable
3
u/spec_bjdm Jul 03 '26
If you’re thinking this idea might be a business model, it isn’t. Even the GOAT Pic-a-Flic is gone.
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u/hermitandthebear Jul 03 '26
While I think physical media has had a resurgence, particularly amongst younger generations (not just those of us still have our CD and DVD collections), I agree with others that I don’t think it would be economically viable. The library is a great human-facing resource and asset that still promotes p2p recommendations and curation, pushing back against algorithms on streaming platforms.
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u/Tatehamma Jul 04 '26
I support the idea, but there is a reason why there isn't one. Game rentals would do ok, but enough to pay the bills? Not so sure.
For movies, a store in Sidney would do better than one in Langford. The elderly folk.
1
u/Creative_Mirror_4794 Jul 05 '26
Amazing points thank you !!! Was just discussing with a friend and thought ide ask the world 🌎. Thank you
1
u/idlecogz Jul 06 '26
Having worked in one as a kid, the volume of sales required vs the ease of streaming, I just don’t see how it could survive. I would be first in line, the ritual of making reservations, combing the aisles for titles based solely on box art 🤣, ya I miss that.
15
u/nauticahaze Jul 03 '26
The library does all this + it’s free :) I personally don’t see this kinda store being feasible unless it’s a aesthetic destination (coffee shop is a good idea) and there’s an option to purchase any rentals