By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
TAYLOR — The two Family Video stores in Taylor are shutting their doors after the company announced the closure of all its remaining stores in 17 states.
Both stores, 22610 Northline Road and 21533 Ecorse Road, did not have concrete closing dates, but are currently selling all inventory until they run out then close.
Items being sold as part of the liquidation are movies, shelves, carpet and all other products. Sales could last until the end of February, depending on the location.
Fifty-six other stores in Michigan are closing.
Highland Ventures, the parent company which has ownership of Family Video released a letter to employees and customers Jan. 5 from CEO Keith Hoogland.
“Today, I have to make the difficult announcement that we are closing all Family Video locations,” he said. “The impact of COVID-19, not only in foot traffic but also in the lack of movie releases, pushed us to the end of an era.
“I am extremely thankful to our employees and customers that were instrumental in Family Video’s success. Without you, we would not have been the last man standing in our industry.”
Family Video started in 1978 with a handful of 500-square-foot video rental locations, growing to 800 locations with up to 7,000-square-feet of video rental and retail.
“Surviving 10 years longer than the big 3, Blockbuster, Movie Gallery and Hollywood Video, we are among the few that started with beta, moved on to VHS and remained a part of the DVD and Blu-Ray era,” Hoogland wrote.
He also said the achievements of customers and employees are far reaching and impactful.
“My proudest moments are those where our employees, at one point 10,000 of you, and customers came together to support the community through grass roots events, report card successes, holiday meal donations and the support of lymphoma research and education.”
In the letter, Hoogland wrote that they will remained to communities through their Legacy Commercial Property division, owning and managing buildings in the community.
For more information on the store closures go to www.familyvideo.com.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])