The last DVD rental shop in Britain is doing very well under my ownership.

Colin Richards has been running his DVD rental shop for over 40 years now. It's hard to believe that his business is still thriving, even after all these years. As the owner of TVL Allstar Video in Haverhill, Suffolk, Colin first opened his doors in 1984. Initially, he leased video tapes to other shops, but soon enough, he started renting them out to customers as well. Now, his store boasts a collection of over 8,500 DVDs, including the beloved Forrest Gump, which has been borrowed over 2,000 times.

With the advent of streaming services like Netflix, many thought that it would be the end of the movie rental business. However, Colin has managed to maintain a steady flow of loyal customers who keep his business profitable. In fact, TVL Allstar Video is believed to be the last remaining DVD rental shop in the UK. Despite this, Colin seems unfazed by the rise of streaming and remains confident in his business model.

At TVL Allstar Video, customers can still rent a DVD for just £2 a week, even 11 years after Blockbuster shut down. Colin admits that he initially thought his business would only last for five years, and then he would have to find a new venture. But as it turns out, his store has carved a niche for itself in the market, thanks to its large membership and loyal customer base. The emergence of streaming services like Sky and Netflix didn't pose a threat to TVL Allstar Video at all.

Colin believes that the key to his store's longevity lies in his ability to diversify. Besides renting out DVDs, he also sells stationery, repairs scratched discs, and offers photocopying and printing services. But perhaps the most important aspect of his business is the sense of community it has created. Colin and his team have become a hub for the locals, and many customers come in just for a chat on a daily basis.

Despite having officially retired, Colin still comes into the store every day. He says it gives him a sense of purpose, knowing that his business is still supporting itself. TVL Allstar Video has become a place where people feel comfortable confiding in Colin and his team, seeking help and support with various challenges. And although they don't make any money from these interactions, it brings them a lot of satisfaction.

One of the unique aspects of TVL Allstar Video is that it has become a popular spot for families to visit. Older customers often bring their children and grandchildren to the store for a "retro experience." And even though most people have streaming services at home, there's something special about physically going to the store, picking out a movie, and making an effort to sit down and watch it. With streaming, it's easy to get distracted and do something else.

In case you were wondering, here are TVL Allstar's top 10 most rented films: Forrest Gump, First Blood, Avatar, Dirty Dancing, The Shawshank Redemption, Schindler's List, Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, Pulp Fiction, and Frozen. It's clear that Colin's store has a diverse collection of movies that cater to different tastes and preferences.

In the end, Colin is proud of what his store has become and the impact it has had on the local community. He believes that TVL Allstar Video is more than just a business; it's a place where people can come to feel connected and supported. And as long as his business continues to bring joy and satisfaction to his customers, Colin is happy to keep the doors open for years to come.

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