**The Last Blockbuster: A Nostalgic Icon in Bend, Oregon**
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Nestled in the heart of Bend, Oregon, the final Blockbuster store stands as a nostalgic relic of a bygone era. With an impressive peak of over 9,000 locations worldwide, Blockbuster was once the go-to destination for renting videos, from VHS tapes to DVDs, and video games. However, as shifts in technology and competition flourished, the chain found itself unable to compete, leading to its eventual downfall.
Founded in Dallas, Texas, in 1985 by David Cook, Blockbuster quickly expanded throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Its success was largely attributed to offering a vast selection of films and games at accessible prices. Unfortunately, the industry’s landscape changed dramatically with the rise of video streaming services like Netflix, coupled with the financial crash of 2008, which severely impacted consumer spending. By 2010, Blockbuster was forced to file for bankruptcy and began closing stores at an alarming rate.
As corporate locations shut their doors, some independently owned franchises clung to life. Among these, the Bend store, which has been operational since 1992, is now the last remaining Blockbuster in the world. Longtime store manager Dan Montgomery noted the store remains a favourite spot for families and friends looking to relive their memories of wandering the aisles in search of the perfect movie.
Located at the intersection of U.S. Route 20 and Revere Avenue, the Bend Blockbuster offers a mix of the latest movie titles while also featuring classic films on VHS. Its website eloquently suggests that the store provides “an inexpensive alternative to going out to the theatre,” appealing to local residents and visitors alike.
Ken and Debbie Tisher, the store’s owners, originally ran a video rental business under the name Pacific Video before transitioning to the Blockbuster franchise in 2000. Despite the challenges faced in the years that followed, the Tishers’ commitment to their community and customers helped maintain the store’s unique charm and character.
In 2019, the Bend location gained notoriety when it became the last Blockbuster standing — a significant shift made evident when a Perth, Australia store took down its signage. Store manager Sandi Harding expressed surprise but excitement for their local situation, as the rugged charm of the final Blockbuster sparked a renewed interest among patrons from across the globe.
The continued success of the Bend Blockbuster can be attributed to both loyal locals and an influx of tourists. The store boasted around 4,000 paid memberships by 2019, primarily drawn to the experience of in-person rentals over streaming services. “It’s nice to actually go in and interact with people,” Tisher explained, highlighting the personal touch customers receive when seeking recommendations.
In a creative move to capitalise on its unique status, the shop converted part of its space into a short-term Airbnb rental in 2020, resulting in significant media attention and “millions of dollars worth of free publicity.” The store’s business model combines traditional rentals with the sale of Blockbuster-branded merchandise, from hoodies to mugs, enjoying the nostalgia associated with the brand.
The legacy of the last Blockbuster has even reached the realm of film, with the release of the documentary “The Last Blockbuster” in 2020. Montgomery noted that the attention from the documentary had only enhanced the store’s popularity, as it showcases the continuation of a cultural phenomenon that shaped the landscape of video rental.
As the Bend Blockbuster continues to thrive amidst its storied past, it caters to a new generation eager to experience the joy of traditional video rental. Despite the ubiquity of streaming services, this final franchise exemplifies that sometimes the past holds cherished memories worth preserving. As both a commercial venture and a nostalgic pilgrimage site, the last Blockbuster stands proud, embodying the enduring legacy of a once-ubiquitous brand.