Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Video Villas
Where was the store located?
Naperville, Illinois (United States)
When did you start shopping at this store?
1986
Describe your video store - what did it look like? What were its distinguishing
features?
upon entering there was a popcorn machine that guests could help themselves to. The store moved locations several times over the year for expansion (eventually opening up other locations). It was always very basic, rows of movies and movie posters on the wall.
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?
It was a husband and wife that owned it. Over the years they hired many high-school students that our family got to know. My dad would always ask them about old movies.
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
none
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
VHS only, I believe
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?
There was an adult section in the back. I remember a section for Oscar winners and musicals imparticular.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
Rent - usually with my family. I was young at the time.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
The one close to my home is no longer in business. I believe with the introduction of Blockbuster and Hollywood video, mom and pop video stores no longer had a market.
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 remember my parents coming home with the VCR. I was probably about 6 years old. We were very excited and had rented a few videos. The only ones I remember getting was a children's series call Fairy Tale Theatre.
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
no