Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
don't remember and they're gone now
Where was the store located?
Forest Hills, New York (United States)
When did you start shopping at this store?
1985
Describe your video store - what did it look like? What were its distinguishing
features?
This was an independently owned store - it would be several years before the chains would take over. Bookcases stacked against two walls with a couple of carousels that held additional tapes. We knew all the workers there and they knew us - we could call and they would put a movie aside for us or take down our name and when it came in, they would call us and hold it. Store front fairly small - can't say exactly how many tapes it held but nowhere near the chains inventory. Had a number of foreign films available along with the commercial releases. Prices were cheap - about 2 bucks a rental. Porno was held in the back... :-) Had to ask for the film by name since they wouldn't let you browse. Very informal, warm and fuzzy. Used to spend time there just talking about films and politics with the people behind the counter.
What were the employees and/or owners like, and what kinds of interactions
did you have with them? What particularly memorable exchanges or events
do you remember?
The owners were rarely there but the people behind the counter were consistent. They would recommend films and were willing to debate the merits of the new releases. When we were looking for a house, one of the worker bees had mentioned Sea Cliff which ironically is the next town over from where we eventually moved - didn't do it deliberately. Wished we took his advice.... Great to stop by on a Saturday night, pick up some bagels, newspapers and a film
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
Don't really remember - think it was just videos. I do remember that at one point,they stocked both VHS and Beta - but Beta was eventually done away with...
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
Did just answer that in previous question - the store stocked both VHS and Beta. Don't remember if they stocked Laserdisc but I'm inclined to say no...
In addition to mainstream Hollywood movies, what other kinds of videotapes
(for example children's, exercise, or X-rated) did the store rent/sell? Where were these
videos found in the store, and how often did you rent or purchase them?
Answered previously - they had a welcome stock of foregin titles. The X-rate stuff was in the back behind the counter, behind the wall.You had to ask for the title by name.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
Only rented - at that time, the cost of a VHS movie was near the $100 range. You could rent for $2.00!
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
Pretty much consistent - the inventory got larger and Beta eventually disappeared off the racks. I think they eventually started taking in VCRs for repair although they didn't do them in the store.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
Closed sometime after 1990 - that's when we left the neighborhood...
In your own words, tell the story of your first VCR/video player. Where
and when did you buy it, and why did you decide to make the purchase?
Hoo-boy - barely remember. I think it was a gift and it was a Minolta. Broke down just a couple of months after purchase. Price tag was in the $800 range. Thought it was cool that you could schedule several programs at a time. Since movie channels didn't exist, seemed like a great innovation...
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
Nope - usually purchased...