ENID, OK - Family Video announced Tuesday that it will close its remaining stores amid the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus. The video chain, which at one time boasted 800 locations with 10,000 employees, is shutting down its remaining 250 stores.
The Enid Family Video moved across town to Sunset Plaza in 2016. The store was originally located at the corner of Van Buren and Maine but relocated to the old CherryBerry location at Cleveland and Garriott.
“While we have flourished over the past 43 years (including the jump into a digital age) the pandemic, [shutdown], and lack of movie releases from the studios have taken their toll on us to the point where we can no longer continue operations,” the company said in a statement.
The company said it expects to begin liquidation sales on Jan. 10 and will continue until all of its inventory is sold. All movies, games, fixtures and TVs will be for sale.
“We are very thankful to have been able to provide entertainment for many family movie nights, and want to thank all of our customers and our incredible staff for the many years of support and service,” said Keith Hoogland, CEO, Highland Ventures, LTD, Family Video’s parent company.
The first Family Video store opened in Springfield, Illinois, in 1978. Family Video debuted in the Betamax era and evolved to include VHS, DVD and Blu-ray.
Citing declining sales during the pandemic, the store closed 200 stores last fall.
Hoogland pointed out that the chain survived 10 years longer than competitors Blockbuster, Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video.
According to the company, all online orders will be processed like normal and www.FamilyVideo.com will stay open. Customers can continue to buy movies, T-shirts and memorabilia at the website.
