End of an era: Iconic video store shuts down after 40 years

As golden sunsets signal the end of days, so too are we about to witness the twilight of an iconic institution.

In a heartbreaking announcement that has saddened movie buffs and nostalgic locals of one city, a beloved video store is set to close its doors after 40 years in business.



Leading Edge Video, located in Brisbane, revealed the development in a social media post.

'It’s with a combination of nostalgia and gratitude that we announce the closing down of Leading Edge Video, Birkdale,’ it read.


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The video store will close its doors after 40 years. Image source: Leading Edge Video Birkdale/Facebook



The store will officially turn off its lights for the last time on March 27 at 5 pm.

This store, cherished for its old-school charm, opened its doors back in 1986. It was also the last establishment in the city to offer video rental services, according to reports.

The news was followed by a small glimmer of joy.

'Don’t throw away the popcorn yet—to clear our inventory, we’re running a BIG closing down sale with nothing over 50 cents! From classics to cult favourites, there’s something for everyone.'



'It is a bit sad, streaming services have changed things for everyone,' one loyal customer shared in response to the store’s announcement.

The closure of Leading Edge Video signals not just the end of this individual business, but serves as a reminder of the seismic shift in the way we consume entertainment.

The digital entertainment revolution has seen the likes of Netflix, Amazon, and Stan creating their own content and providing a massive library of movies and shows on-demand, shaking the very foundation of the physical video stores industry.



The convenience of streaming content from the comfort of one's home, devoid of any late fees or the requirement to step outside, has been alluring for many consumers.

The situation at Leading Edge Video in Birkdale is just one of the events playing out globally.

Video rental stores worldwide have been struggling to keep their doors open as they fight a losing battle against the convenience of streaming.

Despite technological advancements, there are still people who prefer going to video stores.

Some say that there's a unique joy in browsing aisles and holding a tangible disc case that digital platforms cannot replace.

As another customer put it, ‘It is so wonderful to be able to talk to someone when deciding on a video.’

A third person expressed sadness about the store’s closure, writing: ‘So sad, one of the last old school hire shops.’
Key Takeaways
  • Leading Edge Video in Birkdale, Brisbane, announced its closure after nearly 40 years of business.
  • The video rental store is hosting a big sale to clear inventory before shutting down, with items priced at no more than 50 cents.
  • The rise of streaming services like Amazon, Netflix, and Stan has significantly impacted the traditional video rental business.
  • Customers expressed nostalgia and sadness over the closure, appreciating the store's personal touch compared to digital alternatives.
Do you have fond memories of visiting video stores? Share them in the comments below!
 
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Reactions: BabsL, janj and BJM
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I didn't know there were any video stores left.

Every Friday night we went off to blockbuster to get a week's supply of movies.

I wouldn't watch a video now. The picture quality is so bad now that I'm used to digital, and it's now so much cheaper with a subscription eg Netflix
 
We have a very large collection of video tapes and DVDs. We also subscribe to several streaming channels. There are two that cost nothing. They are Tubi and Brollie. My wife buys box sets of TV series by mail order through Entertainment Masters. Movies on Netflix ECT are for a limited time.
 
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Reactions: PattiB
I tried to donate many dozens of children's video tapes to Cancer Council opp shop. They told me sorry; they don't accept them. Made me a little sad as my Grandchildren spent many hours sorting and arranging the tapes in order of favorite's and next to watch. 😞
 

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