The President of Highland Ventures Limited has announced all remaining Family Video stores are closing, including the one in Salem.
Keith Hoogland blamed the impact of COVID-19 not only for the loss of foot traffic but also for the lack of movie releases that pushed them to the end of an era.
Family Video was the last remaining video rental chain after others including Blockbuster failed earlier. He expressed extreme thanks to their employees and customers that were instrumental in their success, noting they would not have been the last man standing in the industry. At one point the company had 10,000 employees, but employment had dwindled in recent years.
Hoogland says while they are disappointed in the closing of Family Video, the company will remain tied to their communities through Legacy Commercial Property division, owning and managing buildings in the community.
Salem Economic Development Director Tabitha Meador is looking forward to some additional discussion with the company about the reuse of the Salem store.
