In the late 1970s, something pretty cool happened all across the US: video rental stores popped up and changed how people watched movies. It all started in Los Angeles in December 1977 when the first store opened its doors, making it super easy for folks to grab their favorite flicks. Thanks to VHS tapes, movies that used to only play in theaters could now be enjoyed at home.
People went nuts for video rentals, and soon enough, stores were popping up everywhere. These places weren’t just about movies; they had all sorts of entertainment goodies for eager customers. By the mid-1980s, these stores had become part of suburban life, where folks could hang out, chat, and check out shelves full of awesome movies together.
In the 1980s, there was this charming family-owned video store that became a real gem in its neighborhood. Tucked away in the community, it quickly became a beloved spot where people could connect and hang out. It was where movie buffs could chat about their favorite films or discover new ones recommended by fellow fans. The aisles of this store were filled with memories as friends and neighbors gathered to check out the latest releases or revisit old favorites.
But as technology evolved, things changed. The way we enjoy entertainment shifted dramatically with the rise of digital streaming platforms, making it easier than ever to watch movies without leaving home. Sadly, this also meant tough times for traditional video stores. While a few specialty shops held on, the nostalgic joy of browsing through shelves of movie cases slowly faded away.
In the early 2000s, the owner of this beloved video rental spot saw the writing on the wall and switched from VHS to DVDs, trying to keep up with what their loyal customers wanted. But even with their efforts to adapt, they couldn’t hold off progress forever. After serving the town for over three decades, the owner had to make the tough call to close up shop for good.
Nowadays, that once-bustling store sits quiet and empty, a reminder of days gone by. But for those who used to spend hours there, the memories are still vivid. Renting a movie wasn’t just about picking something to watch; it was an experience—a chance to bond, to discover new favorites, and to lose yourself in the magic of cinema. Even though the physical store may be gone, the sense of community and love for movies lives on, showing just how special those old video stores really were.
Photography By: Leland Kent of Abandoned Southeast