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Video stores vs. online and discount retailers [The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.](Valdosta Daily Times (GA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Sep. 13--VALDOSTA -- Although some video stores are experiencing a downfall due to the wide use of Netflix and Redbox, others are still enjoying their regulars. With Netflix, customers can get an unlimited plan from $8.99 to $16.99 per month depending on the number of movies they want to rent at a time. In addition, they can instantly watch movies streamed from Netflix to their computer or television at no additional cost. Also, customers do not have to leave their home to get a movie because they get them in their mail. Russ Hutto, a graphic designer, said that he has been using Netflix for almost five years now and has the plan for $16.99 which allows him to rent three movies at a time. "I like the selection," he said. And although it takes usually one business day for the DVD delivery, he uses a feature which allows him to watch movies directly on his computer. "I think it's the best option for those who watch a lot of movies," he added. Hutto enjoys Netflix for one more reason -- the online community. He explained that he could read movie reviews by people who have already seen the movie, and can leave comments. Hollywood Video At the same time, Hollywood Video came up with different offers to stay competitive. According to its Web site (hollywoodvideo.com), it has "buy previously viewed" which saves a lot of money; video gift cards are also available; "movie and munches combo" is a special which includes free popcorn or M&M candy; "free birthday rental" is another option, as well as "senior citizen discount." According to Jason Young, store manager at Hollywood Video located at 1908 Baytree Road, however, the best offer they have since March is called Powerplay. Powerplay is a subscription which allows customers to rent games and movies for $40 per month via autopay, and there are no late fees. He added that the traffic in stores is way down due to services like Netflix, the recession, and the beginning of the school year. "This is the lowest time of the year," he said. "Also, the idea to come to the store is nice, but the convenience of the Internet is huge." Redbox Redbox is another popular and appealing option for movie rentals because it's cheap. One buck for a movie is all customers need to pay as long as they can return the movie in a day. Otherwise, they are being charged a dollar for each day the movie is not returned. After customers reach a certain number of nights, the DVD becomes theirs. The movie vending machine is located in major stores and fast-food restaurants, such as Wal-Mart and McDonald's, and is convenient because people can rent the movie while shopping in the store, or eating at the restaurant. Video Warehouse Despite these modern and easy methods to rent a movie, however, some people still prefer the good old local video store. One would think that Video Warehouse, located at 3272 Inner Perimeter Road right across from Walmart and 1500 W. Hill Ave., would be hurt by Redbox, when in fact, the video store still enjoys its regulars without experiencing a downfall. That is what Dawn Jacobs, general manager at Video Warehouse, said. "Traffic is the same as it has always been," she added. "We have regular customers who like to come and talk to people if they have a problem with a movie, rather than talking to an automated phone system." Jacobs also said that some people just like the experience of going to the store, walking around and choosing a movie. To see more of The Valdosta Daily Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |