Family Video to Close All Locations for Good

The end of an era has come for home movie rental.

Although I am in no way shocked at the news, Family Video has announced that they will be closing all locations soon. COVID-19 has put the final nail in the coffin for the video rental and game rental business. With the decline in foot traffic as well as the lack of movie releases because of the pandemic, Family Video will soon be a thing of the past.

Despite the increasing ease of getting games and movies online and through cable providers, Family Video was able to hang in there almost 10 years longer than Blockbuster, Movie Gallery, and Hollywood Video. They have also been around since the days of Beta as well, then VHS and of course DVD & Blu-Ray. To be in business across the country for 42 years is impressive no matter who you are.

I am extremely thankful to our employees and customers that were instrumental in Family Video's success. Without you, we would not have been the last man standing in our industry...While we are disappointed in the closing of Family Video, we will remain tied to our communities through our Legacy Commercial Property division, owning and managing buildings in the community...said Family Video's Keith Hoogland

This is pretty said for anyone that has ever gone out and rented a movie or video game to enjoy. When I was a kid, it was a treat to go rent something and most kids today will never know the heartbreak of seeing what you want only to find out the actual movie or game was not behind the box.

I wonder what will happen with the locations we have in Genesee County?

Source: Family Video