Where is the last Blockbuster store? The 2020 documentary is available on Netflix, so let’s get the store’s location explained.
Thanks for the memories…
So many of us will remember those magical nights, whether you were a child, a teenager or an adult at the time.
For plenty, few things topped heading out on a Friday or Saturday night and soaking in the atmosphere of your local Blockbuster branch.
It was one of life’s simple pleasures, whether you were flocking to the store to rent the latest blockbuster or venturing out with no clue of what you wished to rent. A visit to Blockbuster had its many benefits, and for films fans the biggest was perhaps that you felt surrounded by your passion.
Although streaming is convenient, Blockbuster allowed you to feel surrounded by cinema, with videos, DVDs and Blu-rays providing portals into new and exciting worlds.
On the other hand, only one branch remains. So, where is the last Blockbuster store?
Where is the last Blockbuster store?
- The last Blockbuster is in Bend, Oregon, United States.
As for the specific address, you can find the store at 211 NE Revere Ave, Bend, OR 97701, United States.
It was featured in the 2020 documentary The Last Blockbuster, which is now available on Netflix and invites audiences on a trip down memory lane, exploring the rise and fall of the video rental company.
Blockbuster offered DVD-by-mail, streaming, video on demand and other services, but it was primarily known for its rental shops. The brand grew throughout the nineties and the documentary addresses that there were over 9,000 stores at one point, with the peak of the business being in 2004.
However, the likes of Netflix and VOD competitors provided film fans with more convenience and ultimately Blockbuster found it difficult to beat out rising alternatives.
The Verge noted that the last branch in Australia closed in March 2019, meaning that the Bend, Oregon store would be the last in the world.
The last Blockbuster during COVID-19
Nostalgia is key to the Oregon Blockbuster’s survival, while it’s also worth acknowledging that the site offers sleepovers through Airbnb and merchandise, which is sourced through local vendors.
Speaking with The Wrap, Sandi Harding – the store’s manager – spoke about her experience running Blockbuster during the COVID-19 pandemic:
“When this whole thing started, streaming platforms were the new toy — you can go online, and scroll in your jammies. But now, people miss getting out, and being able to walk around and getting an idea of what they want to watch.”
Sandi revealed that there was some initial panic, as they were only doing a tenth of their normal business when the pandemic began. However, online merchandise sales helped and it’s highlighted that they received a whopping 5,000 orders in July 2020 across just 10 days.
She added: “People were wanting to help us stay open.”
Fans react to The Last Blockbuster on Netflix
A number of nostalgic audiences have flocked to Twitter to offer their reactions to The Last Blockbuster.
Check out a selection of tweets: