(WWJ) It's an end of an era, but not totally unexpected.
The Family Video rental chain is going out of business and closing all remaining stores — 250 of them in total — nationwide.
WWJ's Jon Hewett reports the first Family Video store opened back in 1978. "And when you think back that far, it isn't surprising in this era of Netflix and Amazon Prime that they will be closing down."
The stores will close late next month, according to a news release by Family Video's parent company Highland Ventures, LTD.
The company all stores have begun their liquidation sales; with everything in the stores, from with movies and video games, to an array of CBD products, and store fixtures, all on sale.
At the Livonia store on Ann Arbor Rd., Jonathan Bilko of Canton Township said he saw this coming,
"It's sad to see," the 20-year-old customer told WWJ's Jon Hewett. "I grew up coming to Family Video, like Mammoth video before it closed down."
Bilko said he wanted stop in to say his goodbyes.
"Honestly, we've been streaming lately, so... you kind of make the transition gradually," Bilko said. "But one last time in here brings back some memories for sure."
Wednesday, Jan. 6, will be the last day for movie rentals at the Livonia store.
This comes after a decade or two of declining business. In the fall of last year, company closed over more than 200 stores.
