Yarra Junction video shop Leading Edge Video last to close in outer east
The last video shop left standing in Melbourne’s outer east has finally shut up shop. And have a guess what killed them all off.
Outer East
Don't miss out on the headlines from Outer East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The internet finally killed video shops in the outer east, with the last remaining store having closed its doors.
Leading Edge Video on Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction, expired last month signalling the end of an era.
Last year the death knell rang for Network Video in Mooroolbark with operating costs cited as the reason for its closure.
Since 2014, Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader has reported on 10 video stores in the east and outer east closing, with consumers choosing digital downloads and subscription services over borrowing DVDs.
When Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader contacted the owner of Leading Edge Video, she didn’t want to talk, but she did confirm her’s was the last store in the outer east.
Monash University film and screen studies senior lecturer Dr Claire Perkins said the internet was “unavoidably” to blame for the death of video shops.
“It seems really sad,” Dr Perkins said.
“The internet has changed the landscape of how film is distributed and consumed.”
She said the closure of video shops meant a loss of sense of community.
“You could go in and talk to people and you could browse with everything in front of you, whereas Netflix is individual viewing,’’ she said.
Dr Perkins said DVDs were tangible products that had extras, including commentary and paratext — which was also a great loss for consumers.
On Facebook the community lamented the shop’s closing.
Al Sweet said it was sad to see Alison — the owner — go.
“Alison gave the best service with a smile. Nothing was too hard to help you for over 15 years of solid commitment. Enjoy your time now you deserve it,” Mr Sweet said.
Jenny Fabien said: “Great job. Will miss the video shop for many reasons; as a customer and an employee. Thanks Alison. Best boss.”
MORE: ‘IT’S A SCARE’: MORE TOXIC DRUMS DUMPED IN DANDENONGS
EXCLUSIVE BRETHREN REVISES LYSTERFIELD PLAN
LILYDALE POLICE SPY STOLEN CAR AT 7-ELEVEN
Video shops that have closed across the east and outer east
- Leading Edge Video Yarra Junction, September 2019;
- Network Video Mooroolbark, January 2018;
- Network Video Brentford Square, Forest Hill, November 2017;
- Video Ezy Boronia, January 2017;
- Video Busters Bayswater, January 2017;
- Video Ezy Wantirna, Ferntree Gully, Rowville and Kilsyth — 2014;
- DVD Destination Tecoma, 2014; and
- Blockbuster Knox, 2014.