Remember when you used to run down to your local video store with mum or dad to hire a movie for the whole family to watch that night.
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Or searching for that Oscar award-winning thriller, popular romance comedy or a timeless classic to watch with friends or partner.
Gone are the days when you’d stroll the isles of countless movies – from videos that eventually became DVDs and Blu-ray – with a few options in hand and debating with those with you why your selection was the better one.
Parkes is about to lose it’s last video store – Network Video – with the business closing its doors on Saturday at 6pm.
After almost two decades in the movie rental business, owners Ian and Judy Chambers and managers Dave and Tracey Chambers have decided it’s time to move on.
“It is a bit sad,” Ian said.
“It’s a sad thing for the town to lose this sort of thing but it’s been great.
“People were always in a happy mood when they came in here – they were happy and ready to relax – it’s been really enjoyable for us,” Judy added.
During times when movies and TV shows have never been easier or cheaper to access and 300 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute – the family has found the movie rental industry no longer viable. However their Forbes store will remain open.
The Parkes store was initially Video Ezy, located in what was the Orange Hall where a section of Big W now stands.
In 2003 the business moved to their Clarinda Street site and over the last few years became Network Video.
You would think that after 50 years in business in Parkes that Ian and Judy would be looking to retire, but instead they’re moving onto their next venture with Dave and Tracey.
“I always said I’d probably be working forever,” Judy laughed.
The family will retain their TSG business, extending into men’s giftware, relocating to 227 Clarinda Street – next door to their hobby store – and opening at 6.30am on Monday, December 4.
“We’re pretty excited about that – It’s being driven by Dave,” Ian said.
“We’re moving onto new things,” Judy said.
“It’s going to be a new type of shop for the town, it’s men’s gifts for man caves, gifts that haven’t been available before in Parkes,” she said.
“We saw an opportunity for that type of thing.”
The Chambers will actually be returning to the building where they had their jewellery store Reflection Jewellers in the late 80s.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal customers and staff for their support over the years,” Ian said.
“It’s exciting times ahead and we can’t wait to share our new store with customers.
“We look forward to still being part of the Parkes business community and hope that you will all come and visit us in our new store.”
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