Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Crow's
Video?
Where was the store located?
Carrollton, Texas (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?
I was in Junior High, so this was probably around 1984 or 1985. The store had the name "Crow's" in it. Can't remember the exact name. I remember is was a small store in a strip mall at the intersection of Josey and Trinity Mills, near Target. There was also an electronics store that sold those old CED players and discs nearby. I remember there was nothing particularly fancy about the store, and I believe it had an adult section near the counter in the back. I guess in jr high, you notice that sort of thing. :)
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?
I had no interaction. I just remember going in once. The store didn't remain in business long. Maybe a few months or a year. I think it was replaced by a novelty popcorn business.
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
I don't recall.
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
VHS definitely. Beta possibly. I don't recall laserdiscs.
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?
They definitely had an adult section. I would guess they had mainstream titles too. It was not a porno rental place. I remember the movie Superman and some movie with Bo Derek swinging on a vine being available.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
That was up to my parents. I don't recall what they got, if anything.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
I remember it went away after a few months.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
Probably closed in 85 or 86, I'm guessing.
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?
Our first VCR came with a camera. Can't remember the brand. The camera was seperate from the mechanism that received the tape. You had to carry the tape mechanism on a strap with you for portability. The tape mechanism featured a top-loading slot that popped up and had to be pushed down. (I thought that was cool.) It was silver and took VHS tapes. Maybe a year later, we got a silver Toshiba Hi-Fi Beta player. It was a much better player, but it was beta... I think we still have it.
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
Never rented hardware.