Across the country video rentals have been declining for a number of years, and the Central Minnesota area is no different. Feeling that decline, Coborn’s has made the decision to close their video departments company wide as of Jan.1, 2017.

 

“It [video] has been a very successful niche for us throughout the years,” said Kevin Hurd, communications and engagement specialist at Coborn’s. “However consumer tastes change, and we feel this is the best decision going forward.”

Coborn’s has seen double digit decreases in video rentals company wide over the past few years, and has been evaluating their video departments to determine the best choice going forward. Some video locations have already been closed down.

 

“As a company we’re always looking to the future and adapting to change,” said Hurd. “The trend, what we’ve been seeing, is that customers have been leaning towards watching online or using streaming services like Netflix.”

 

All of Coborn’s video inventory will be marked down and sold at various locations after the closings.

 

“It’s disappointing but understandable,” said a Clearwater customer, who preferred not to be identified. “We rent a lot of movies here.”

 

There are currently six employees who work in the video department at the Clearwater location. Store Director Jason Zilka said none of them would be losing their jobs; all will be given a new position within the store. 

 

Ongoing discussions are underway to determine what will be put in the areas that currently house the video departments; no decisions have yet been made for any of the locations. 

 

Under consideration is the potential for self-rental video kiosks similar to Red Box at some locations.

 

Coborn’s family of stores includes 54 grocery stores and 70 convenience, liquor and other retail locations throughout the Midwest. Local areas affected by the closing include Big Lake, Clearwater and St. Cloud.

 

The last day customers will be able to rent videos is Dec. 31.