Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Video Update
Where was the store located?
Albert Lea, Minnesota (United States)
When did you start shopping at this store?
1984
Describe your video store - what did it look like? What were its distinguishing
features?
It was a former pizza hut building. There were rows of 5 ft tall shelves that had the various videos displayed. Not really well lit.
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 people who worked there were like the older sibling of someone I go to school with.
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
Tanning beds
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
VHS only. I don't remember ever seeing Laserdiscs,but then again, it was a small town.
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?
Children's videos, maybe a Jane Fonda exercise tape, but no X-rated tapes. The kids videos were in a seperate area that doubled as a play area.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
Rent. Too expensive to own.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
It seemed like it was just that staff that changed.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
It closed in the early 1990's
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?
I bought my first VCR in June of 1983, just one month out of college. I purchased it at Dayton's (department store) and felt I needed it to tape my favorite soap operas since I would be working during the day (unlike my college days.)
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
I rented a VCR once when I was somewhere without one, but I don't remember the details.