New and improved, neighborhood video store prepares for its sequel
on January 4, 2009
by MARTIN RICARD
The Video Room to North Oakland is like peanut butter to jelly: You can’t have one without the other.
Not only has the independent video rental store remained open for 30 years, but it also boasts one of the most stunning collections of cult and classic films in the East Bay. Not to mention the full staff of knowledgeable movie buffs and a section solely dedicated to local films.
But with the advent of Netflix and other video entertainment innovation, the Video Room has taken a serious hit. The store, at 4364 Piedmont Ave., recently was downsized to about one-third its original size to stay afloat and to compete with the rest of the video rental market.
With a new year, however, the staff at the Video Room have decided to stay in the game for the long haul. During the first week of 2009, the store is celebrating a new look and a reorganized group of collections–including popular British TV standouts, a complete Disney section and a “director’s alley” with films alphabetically sorted by each of the major film directors. The store also is offering a host of new incentives, such as senior rates, special prices for family films and a free rental to all new customers.
Most of all, the store still has the same down-home charm that has made it a mainstay in the community.
[The audio slideshow is no longer available.]
4 Comments
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Oakland North is an online news service produced by students at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism and covering Oakland, California. Our goals are to improve local coverage, innovate with digital media, and listen to you–about the issues that concern you and the reporting you’d like to see in your community. Please send news tips to: oaklandnorthstaff@gmail.com.
Great Martin!
My wife just sent me this link. Video Rm looks very promising. I’m guessing that I’m not alone in having thought that this store was nothing other than an independent version of the chain stores with a, probably, smaller inventory. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. I’ll, definitely, check it out–and I’m also bookmarking this site.
No problem. Thanks for your comment. And if you or your wife ever notice a potential story in North Oakland, please let us know.
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