Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Wharehouse, I think
Where was the store located?
Fullerton/Yorba Linda, California (United States)
When did you start shopping at this store?
1989
Describe your video store - what did it look like? What were its distinguishing
features?
This was a commercial chain, so I am pretty sure it was a warehouse. It was mostly plain white walls with window posters. I remember not having a huge selection, with long lines on the weekends, that still sounds familiar. I was pretty dissatisfied with the set up, but my soon-to-be wife went often and picked up a lot of prison and war movies.
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 remember that the employees wore black vests and regular clothes. It was all pretty laid back and not alot of interaction with the staff.
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
They had used movies for sale, with some new very popular films that were more affordable. Blank tapes and head cleaners. And candy.
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
The store offered only VHS as far as I remember.
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?
Mostly the standard Action, Drama, Comedy and Horror categories.
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
Rent. I was on a college income.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
None.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
Not sure.
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?
The first VCR my family had was in 1987 with the tape holder ejecting up onto the top of the deck. I don't remember where we got it, but it was rather large and could record as well as play.
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
I didn't rent a VCR until 1991 when I needed it for my bachelor party. After that if I wanted to record from tape to tape, I would rent one. I worked for a Mom and Pop from 1991 to 1994, and got to rent them for $1. I probably only rented one about 6 times over the course of that time.