Many describe it as a huge loss to the Killarney neighbourhood.
Champlain Video will close up shop at the end of this month, having operated in Champlain Heights for nearly three decades.
“It’s very upsetting. I’ve been coming here since the early ’90s. It’s a really good video store, very accommodating with a good selection,” said frequent customer Robert Wyle. “I kept coming back because everyone’s so personable. Alan remembered everyone, no matter who you were.”
Steve Fahnestalk has frequented the store since moving to the area five years ago.
“I’m very disappointed. I rent a lot of 3D movies. Now I’ll have to rent them on demand from Telus, which is seven bucks for two days, as opposed to $3.50 a day,” he said. “So whether I want two days or not, I’m going to get two days.”
Alan Wong, the store’s manager since 1990, told the Courier the decision to call it quits was made in the fall.
“We monitored the sales and even tried an advertising campaign. Unfortunately, it didn’t pick up sufficiently as we thought. Looking to 2015, we thought it was time,” he said.
Wong added the outcome was inevitable due to services like Netflix and other video services on the Internet.
“I knew it was going to happen because I follow what’s happening in the world, and of course, technology was something that came along and changed things.”
When asked when the store peaked in sales, Wong answered with the year 2005.
“On a monthly basis, we had around 1,000 active clients. Now, we’re down to about 300,” he said.
Despite the decline in membership, which has always been offered free of charge, Wong noted the store always been a loyal customer base.
“I think it’s because we know all the people around here. When they come in, they say ‘Hi, how are you?’ They like the personal touch.”
Wong, a New Westminster resident, started managing the store after its owner at the time asked him to help out. He was behind the counter at the iconic Wally’s Burgers on Kingsway when the opportunity came knocking.
“I just never left,” he said with chuckle. “It has created a nice stable point in my life by helping me build a home here, getting to know all the people. I’ve seen many kids grow up, even their parents.”
So what’s next for this dedicated soul?
Well, his other job as a tutor teaching math, physics and chemistry will definitely keep him busy, he said.
But for owner Simon Chang, retirement and much needed relaxation is on the horizon.
“Perhaps work more on your golf swing,” Wong joked with Chang during the interview.
The video store has started selling its movies at a marked-down price. The older ones are going for $3, with newer titles in the price range of eight to $10. Whatever isn’t sold will be donated to local libraries.
“We don’t have any other place for them. We just want to get them out in the neighbourhood to people who love the movies,” Wong said.
A goodbye party is being organized at the Champlain Heights Community Centre on Jan. 10, 2015, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend.
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