Video store 101 — WHAT WOULD TOTO WATCH?

Video store 101

July 13, 2008

Entering your local Blockbuster-type rental store isn’t as easy as it looks. The hits are easy to spot - the store will have a dozen or so copies and you’ll know them by heart from their ad campaigns. But too often you’ll see some name actors in projects you’ve never heard of before.

I posted a simple primer for successfully navigating the local video store over at eHow.com. I spent about five years working for a Mom and Pop video store (we’re talking VHS), and I took pride in steering customers toward movies that matched their tastes. I suspect not every Blockbuster employee takes similar care.

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

1

chase 07.13.08 at 8:56 pm

who goes to a video store any more?

Don’t we just netflix/download rent/hit PPV on the cable?

2

cftoto 07.13.08 at 9:00 pm

Plenty of people still do hit their local Blockbuster for the latest movies. Some habits die hard. But will Blockbuster-type stores even exist in five years? Likely not.

3

Linda 07.13.08 at 11:23 pm

I always like to overhear the store staff giving knowledgeable advice to renters with good questions. Smart to go in with a list, it’s very easy to get distracted. Though I rent most online, it’s fun to go in the store. I think you’re right, their days are probably numbered.

4

cftoto 07.14.08 at 1:15 am

Linda - The video store experience is one more thing that will be cast aside by the digital revolution. While it’s an imperfect process, I will miss it.

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