Day 6

'Be kind, rewind': Inside the last Blockbuster video in the United States

The Blockbuster Video in Bend, Ore., is now the last one in the United States. It's also a tourist attraction, drawing crowds who take selfies with the store's sign.

At least Bend, Ore., can still make it a Blockbuster night

Scott Thornton takes a selfie in front of the Bend, Ore., Blockbuster on Friday, July 13, 2018. (Ryan Brennecke/Associated Press)

Back in 2004, there were more than 9,000 Blockbuster Video stores. Fast forward to 2018 when there is only one left in all of North America.

In the small city of Bend, Oregon, the last surviving Blockbuster Video store stands strong and firm, unfazed by the opposing forces of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.

The store has become a museum for nostalgic customers and has always been home to the die-hard movie lovers. 

The Oregon store has increased in popularity after two Blockbuster Video stores in Alaska closed down last week, leaving the Bend store as the last Blockbuster standing. 

Now, it's becoming a popular attraction and the store manager, Sandi Harding, says they are loving the attention. 


To hear more from Sandy Harding and others in the last Blockbuster store, download our podcast or click the 'Listen' button at the top of this page.

Written by Fatima Al-Sayed. Produced by Yamri Taddese.