The last standing Blockbuster Video on Earth isn’t located in a bustling metropolis or a nostalgia-fueled tourist trap. It’s nestled in the unlikely location of Bend, Oregon, a testament to community loyalty and a potent symbol of a bygone era of home entertainment.
A Beacon in the Digital Desert: The Bend Blockbuster’s Story
Against the backdrop of streaming services and on-demand entertainment, the Bend Blockbuster’s resilience is nothing short of remarkable. How did this particular store manage to defy the overwhelming tide that swept away thousands of others? The answer lies in a unique combination of factors: local support, community engagement, a savvy management team, and a healthy dose of nostalgia.
General Manager Sandi Harding, a devoted guardian of the Blockbuster legacy, has played a crucial role in its survival. Her unwavering commitment to providing a personalized customer experience, coupled with a genuine love for movies, has fostered a loyal customer base that continues to rent movies, purchase merchandise, and support the store’s various initiatives.
The store also understands the power of embracing its underdog status. It has actively marketed itself as a destination for those seeking a tangible connection to the past, offering a refuge from the often-sterile world of digital entertainment. This approach has not only preserved its existing customer base but also attracted tourists eager to experience the nostalgia and novelty of renting movies from a real-life Blockbuster.
More Than Just a Rental Store: The Blockbuster Experience
The Bend Blockbuster offers more than just rows of DVDs and VHS tapes. It provides a unique social experience that is increasingly rare in today’s digital age. Customers can browse the shelves, chat with employees about movie recommendations, and rediscover forgotten gems. It’s a place where people can connect with each other over a shared love of cinema.
Beyond movie rentals, the store hosts special events, such as themed movie nights, costume contests, and screenings of locally made films. These events further solidify its role as a community hub and draw in new customers. The store also sells a variety of Blockbuster-themed merchandise, from t-shirts and mugs to magnets and keychains, allowing customers to take a piece of the Blockbuster experience home with them.
The commitment to providing excellent customer service is another key factor in its success. The employees are knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to help customers find what they’re looking for. This personalized touch is something that streaming services simply cannot replicate.
Blockbuster’s Legacy and the Future of Physical Media
While the Bend Blockbuster is the last of its kind, it serves as a potent reminder of the cultural impact that Blockbuster Video had on the world. For millions of people, Blockbuster was more than just a rental store; it was a place where families gathered to choose movies for movie night, where friends shared recommendations, and where the magic of cinema came to life.
The story of the Bend Blockbuster also raises important questions about the future of physical media. While streaming services have undoubtedly revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, there is still a strong desire for tangible experiences and curated collections. The store’s success suggests that there will always be a place for physical media, even in the digital age. Whether that translates into a broader resurgence of physical rental stores remains to be seen, but the Bend Blockbuster certainly provides a blueprint for success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the last Blockbuster, providing more details and insights into its operation and legacy:
H3: 1. Is it actually the last Blockbuster?
Yes, the Blockbuster Video store in Bend, Oregon is officially the last operating Blockbuster in the world. The second to last Blockbuster, located in Perth, Australia, closed its doors in March 2019, leaving Bend as the sole survivor.
H3: 2. How can I visit the Bend Blockbuster?
The store is located at 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR 97701. It is open daily, and visitors are welcome to browse the store, rent movies, purchase merchandise, and take photos. Check their official social media pages for updated hours and special event announcements.
H3: 3. What types of movies does the Blockbuster have?
The store boasts a diverse selection of movies, including new releases, classic films, independent films, and a surprisingly large collection of VHS tapes. They actively try to cater to a wide range of tastes. They even have a section dedicated to movies filmed in Oregon.
H3: 4. Does the store still charge late fees?
Yes, late fees are still enforced. This helps ensure that movies are returned in a timely manner so that other customers can enjoy them. It’s a reminder of the “good old days” of movie rentals.
H3: 5. Can I buy Blockbuster merchandise online?
Yes! The Bend Blockbuster has an online store where you can purchase a wide range of Blockbuster-themed merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, hats, and even face masks. This helps support the store from afar.
H3: 6. How can I support the Blockbuster if I can’t visit?
Beyond purchasing merchandise, you can follow the store on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and engage with their content. This helps raise awareness and attract new customers. Spreading the word about the store is invaluable.
H3: 7. What makes this Blockbuster different from others that closed?
Several factors contributed to its survival, including strong community support, dedicated management, a focus on customer service, and a clever marketing strategy that embraces its unique status as the last Blockbuster. The Perth Blockbuster had very high rental prices, which was a contributing factor to its downfall. Bend Blockbuster, on the other hand, has ensured the rental prices are very reasonable.
H3: 8. Is the store profitable?
While the exact financials are not publicly available, the Bend Blockbuster has been consistently profitable enough to sustain operations. This is largely due to its loyal customer base and the income generated from merchandise sales and special events.
H3: 9. Has Netflix ever tried to buy the store?
While there’s no confirmed record of Netflix formally trying to buy the store, there has been speculation and wishful thinking from fans. It remains an unconfirmed rumor and a fun hypothetical scenario.
H3: 10. What kind of special events does the Blockbuster hold?
The Blockbuster regularly hosts themed movie nights, costume contests, screenings of locally made films, and other community events. These events are designed to create a fun and engaging experience for customers and to foster a sense of community.
H3: 11. Does the Blockbuster have any celebrity endorsements?
The store has garnered support from various celebrities, including John Oliver, who famously sent the store a jockstrap from Russell Crowe’s film “Cinderella Man”. This and other items are displayed in the store, contributing to its quirky charm.
H3: 12. What is the future of the last Blockbuster?
The future of the Bend Blockbuster appears bright, thanks to its strong community support, dedicated management, and unique appeal. While the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, the store is well-positioned to remain a beloved institution for years to come, a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia and community spirit. It has become more than just a video store; it’s a living museum and a cultural icon.