Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Red Giraffe
Where was the store located?
Louisville, Kentucky (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?
The colors used were mainly red and white. New releases were along the back wall and all other videos kind of filled up the store, in rows according to genre.
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 employees were really polite and helpful. There were always a few that walked around either placing returned videos back on the shelves or seeing if anyone needed any assistance. Of all the video stores I've frequented this one had the best customer service.
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
Candy, popcorn that kind of thing was sold. I don't remember if they eventually sold video games or not.
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
They offered VHS only.
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 were also sold. I was in junior high when my family used to rent there, so we didn't rent kid's movies all that much. I don't recall ever seeing any exercise videos or X-rated movies. I only remember the mainstream movies.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
My family tended to rent movies. Unless there was a movie my parents or my sister and I really liked, in which case we would just buy it.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
To be honest none. It pretty much always stayed the same.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
No, I think it closed in 1992.
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 dad purchased our first VCR in 1985 or 86. He bought it at a Circuit City type store (but it was more mom and pop) in Middletown, OH. I think he decided to buy it because it was the new technology. Prior to that we had laserdisc.
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
No.