The last video store chain in U.S. is going dark

After some 42 years in business, Family Video is closing all its stores.

The Midwest retailer, owned by Highland Ventures Ltd., is shuttering its remaining 250 locations. The decision comes after the chain closed more than 200 stores last fall. 

At the height of its operation, Family Video operated 800 locations. It was one of the few video rental chains that started out with Beta, moved on to VHS and then became a part of the DVD and BlueRay era. It outlasted such bigger competitors as Blockbuster, Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video.

“The impact of COVID-19, not only in foot traffic but also in the lack of new releases, pushed us to the end of an era,” Highland Ventures president Keith Hoogland wrote in a message on Family Video’s website.

FamilyVideo.com will continue to operate, selling movies, CBD products, T-shirts, memorabilia and more. Marco Pizza, which is also owned by Highland and has more than 100 locations, will also remain open for business.