A family-run movie rental store in the UK continues to flourish 40 years after it first opened in 1984. While streaming services have devoured the DVD rental business’s market share, Colin Richards, owner of TVL Allstar Video in Haverhill, has managed to keep the store profitable.

TVL Allstar Video has a massive collection of 8,500 movies to rent and a huge membership, which has kept the store running.

Located in the town center of Haverhill, Suffolk, the store is a case study for local businesses on how to survive in the face of corporate competition and rapidly evolving technology. Despite the convenience of streaming services, the store enjoys steady foot traffic, with customers renting DVDs and Blu-rays from its extensive collection of 8,500 movies for just $2.50 a week.

There was a time when Richard Collins wasn’t sure if his business would survive the next five years. Surprisingly, TVS Allstar survived and is still booming in 2024. Richard believes profits were unscathed largely because the store already had a huge membership when Netflix and Sky arrived.

While major players in the movie rental business, such as Blockbuster, were forced to file for bankruptcy, how did this small, standalone store survive? The short answer lies in the owner’s ability to connect with his customers and diversify into services that build a sense of community.

In its early years, TVL Allstar Video leased video tapes to other shops. It later transitioned into renting films in DVD and Blu-ray formats. The store became a hub for the local community, with customers bringing in their children and grandchildren, ensuring that the next generation continues to trickle into the store.

To further diversify, the business expanded into selling stationery and books, repairing scratched DVDs, and offering photocopying and printing services. These additional services, particularly the assistance provided to older generations with paperwork, keep people coming back, even if they don’t intend to rent a movie at the time.

Forrest Gump has been borrowed at least 2,000 times, making it the most rented movie in the store.

Now 71 years old and retired, Colin Richards still visits the store daily, as it gives him a sense of purpose. Many customers drop by not just to rent movies but also to chat or seek help, which is enough motivation for Colin to keep the business running as long as it remains self-sustaining.

Customer reviews on their Facebook page speak for the store’s lovely atmosphere and commitment to providing support to their customers. A few go like this;
“Can’t thank them enough for all their help today.”
“The people that run TVL are great & add to the overall experience of renting a movie.”
“Lovely, helpful people, excellent service.”

Customers keep coming back to rent movies, and it seems like they have a few favorites. The store’s most rented movie is Forrest Gump, borrowed over 2,000 times, followed by First Blood and Avatar.