Roll Up the Red Carpet

It was a sad event a few months ago when the only independent video store near my house became the latest victim of our sagging and tumultuous economy.

Frankly, I proudly supported Red Carpet Video right till its door closed. Initially, it was out of my utter disgust with the lameness and subtle Right Wing leanings of Blockbuster, but later I got to liking supporting the Little Guy in this age when evil “big box” stores like Wal-Mart continue to steamroll specialty stores into oblivion.

But really, it was all about convenience. Think about it: that’s how I picked my grocery store, day care, fitness center, vet and mechanic. The world may be getting smaller, we have means to get anywhere and the Internet fills in most of the blanks, but I have no interest in driving 30 minutes (whether that gets me three or 30 miles) for things I can find in my ‘hood. I need to make life simpler.

I must also admit I was amused by Red Carpet’s clandestine porno section, which was entered through swinging doors at the back of the store. It was fun to watch the purveyors try to slither quietly into the room and just as subtly emerge back into the mainstream of the store—hopefully without anyone seeing them. I loved to stand in the aisle by the door and smile knowingly as they would slip out.

I also loved that Red Carpet gave away all its movie posters. By corporate policy, Blockbuster isn’t allowed to do that. Now, granted, I must admit I did score some of them only because someday I think they will be worth money on eBay and I have to find creative ways to pay for my son’s college education. (After all, two of my prized possessions are posters from two of my favorite movies, “Endless Summer” and “Annie Hall,” and they have increased nicely in value over the past quarter century, so there is merit to this plan.)

While Red Carpet was rolled up because they said their rent was jacked, there were warning signs all around long before then. Netflix has been more than a replacement for Blockbuster as far as our family is concerned. Again, it’s about convenience. I can manage it all online and I’m amazed at how fast Netflix gets me my next selection and the extent of its library.

As I said goodbye to Red Carpet, ironically I said hello to Redbox. How can a “bricks and mortar” store compete with a box the size of a phone booth (I know that comparison dates me) that conveniently sits at the door of our nearby Albertson’s grocery store right next to the floor waxer for rent? Answer: it can’t. DVDs for only $1 is a great deal. Granted, the inventory (focused mainly on new releases) is somewhat limited, but it seems most viewers pay little regard to renting oldies.

And since I’m at the store several times a week, especially toward a weekend, picking up a video in a matter of minutes without any human interaction (annoyingly, the barely breathings at my Blockbuster never knew a thing about movies) suits me fine. Bring it home, watch it, return it. Perfect, convenient.

Meanwhile, I’m waiting to see what moves into Red Carpet’s old space. Probably another Starbucks, 99 Cents Store or day spa. Yea, we need more of those.