Tomorrow the last two Blockbusters in Alaska will close their doors. For years, Alaska was the last safe haven for video rental stores. This was because of poor internet in many parts of the state, which helped Blockbuster stay open. Over the last few years they have started to close.
In 2013, Alaska had 13 Blockbusters; in 2016, it was down to 9 stores. Now, in 2018, the last stores will close tomorrow. This leaves only one Blockbuster left in Bend, Oregon.
There are still many movie rental stores but nothing like there was in the past. Currently, there are over 700 Family Video locations across the United States and Canada. Family Video has avoided the downfall of Blockbuster mainly by owning the land and buildings their stores are on. Blockbuster rented most of their locations and as rental prices went up they found themselves with unprofitable stores.
Family Video is also staying successful by being one of the last video rental stores left in the United States. While most Americans have moved to streaming, there still seems to be enough demand for just one major video chain.
One interesting trend: As internet improves the demand for a physical rental store has died off. Why risk traveling to the store just to find out the movie you wanted is no longer in stock?
When is the last time you visited a movie rental store? Leave a comment and let us know.
Source: Anchorage Daily News
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