Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Blockbuster
Where was the store located?
Germantown, Maryland (United States)
When did you start shopping at this store?
1990
Describe your video store - what did it look like? What were its distinguishing
features?
It was generic store with loads of shelves and grouped by type of movie with new releases on the back wall of the store.
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?
They generally just checked me out- there was little interaction unless I could not find a particular film
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
Initially they would rent VCRs which evolved into DVDs and video game console systems and games.
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
VHS and BETA and now DVD
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 had children's videos and exercise videos. The children's were grouped together in one section as were the exercise in the middle portion of the store. I did not partake in the rental of any of these videos.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
Tended to rent them as it was cheaper and I always want to see the new releases.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
The store became larger and added increased video selection and eventually game to guarantee movies in stock or rain checks for free rental.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
Yes
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?
My parents won a VCR through a sales spiff with my dad's company.
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
no