End of an Era for Norfolk's Beloved Video Store
NORFOLK, Neb. — A Northeast Nebraska business, once the go-to destination for video games and movies, is shutting down due to the decline of in-person sales after 31 years.
Chris Logan’s video store has offered VHS and DVDs to Norfolk customers since 1994.
But due to competition from theaters and streaming services, the money isn’t what it once was, forcing Logan to close its doors after three decades.
Logan has faced shutting down shop more than once, admitting that keeping things afloat for 31 years has been a real rollercoaster and financially unstable. "Customers kinda freaked out on me," Logan said. "No, don’t go out of business, no. So, I just hung on, but I have rental properties that have been keeping the store afloat.”
With the digital age transforming movie watching rapidly, Logan's main struggle is balancing affordable prices for customers while still making sure he can make a living. New releases go for $1.89 to rent, which is tough for the store due to movies costing a significant amount to purchase. He hopes enough people keep renting to recoup his initial purchase and make a little money in the end.
With Logan's store boasting over 25,000 videos and games, the need for physical copies seems like a relic. "It’s really good customers, they just like my picks and I always like my customers to be happy," Logan said. "That’s what I was here for, entertainment."
Logan hasn't locked in a closing date yet but is inviting everyone to swing by, rewind time, and soak up the nostalgia at 207 W. Madison Ave., Norfolk, Nebraska.
