90s nostalgia? Check out the world's last Blockbuster video store!

Nostalgia for the 90s, the era of the Walkman and text messages, seems to be more alive today than ever. A cult element of the 90s was the VHS and the video rental store. The legendary Blockbuster chain is mostly a thing of the past, but did you know that there is still one left in the world? It's the one in the photo!

In the years of the internet and streaming platforms, this Blockbuster shop, the last one on the planet, represents a sign of resistance. However, it also is an oasis for nostalgics of a time that was. Where can we find it?

The last Blockbuster on the planet is located in Bend, Oregon (United States). In the photo, you can see its main facade.

Photo: Blockbuster, Bend, Oregon - Wikipedia

In 2010, the famous brand with its unmistakable yellow writing on a blue background declared bankruptcy, and only three years later, in 2013, almost all of its stores had to close their doors, marking the end of the analog and the beginning of the digital era.

In reality, there were a few Blockbusters left in the world. The last to close permanently, in 2018, were two surviving stores in Alaska, where internet coverage was not the best, and a Blockbuster in Morley, Australia. From that moment onward, the Bend, Oregon store was officially named the last Blockbuster on Earth.

Photo: Blockbuster, Bend, Oregon - Wikipedia

Owner Sandi Harding is quoted by roadtrippers.com about the special status of her store: "When a radio station called to tell me the Australia store was closing, making us the last Blockbuster in the world, I didn’t expect that. I was surprised, and sad, too, because the reality is when a store closes, people lose their jobs."

Photo: Blockbuster, Bend, Oregon - Wikipedia

However, what may have seemed like an end phase for Sandi Harding, has instead marked the beginning of a new era in her life and in her shop.

Thanks to the nostalgia for those golden years of the 80s and 90s, the well-known Blockbuster has become a tourist destination in Oregon. It is chosen by all those travelers who want to relive, at least for a few hours, a typical 90s evening.

In fact, since 2020, the store has been on Airbnb to offer travelers 90s-themed pajama parties, where a cinema classic is not missing.

At the Bend, Oregon shop, in fact, guests can spend a very pleasant evening in the company of friends, watching a movie on DVD, Blu-Ray, or VHS and eating popcorn with cheese.

The store in Bend, Oregon was also featured in a documentary film directed by Taylor Morde: 'The Last Blockbuster,' released in 2020.

Then, in 2022, a new sitcom about the last Blockbuster store appeared from the makers of 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine.' It recounts the efforts of the only remaining Blockbuster in the world to stay relevant and in business.

In the image: 'Blockbuster' stars Melissa Fumero and Randall Park

Ironically, the series was launched by... Netflix! It was one of the greatest threats to video stores with its revolutionary home delivery service and subsequent streaming platform.

Image: 'Blockbuster' publicity photo, Netflix

Another ironic fact about the show... It only lived to see one season. The poorly running video store didn't draw enough viewers for Netflix to renew the sitcom for a second season. Still, it is very funny and worth a watch!

Image: 'Blockbuster' star Tyler Alvarez

For Sandi Harding and her real-life Oregon store, a great source of income is undoubtedly Blockbuster-themed merchandising. It includes t-shirts, caps, and mugs, among other things, strictly in the distinctive colors of the brand, yellow and blue.

The last Blockbuster in the world is not only a destination for tourists, but also for city dwellers who see it as an escape from the endless scrolling of Netflix or Amazon Prime Video catalogs.

Photo: Tumisu / Pixabay

Harding herself said: "Everyone’s tired of sitting at home on their phones and their laptops and not having any personal interactions," according to Esquire.

Photo: Tumisu / Pixabay

"When this whole thing started, streaming platforms were the new toy. But now, people miss getting out and being able to walk around, and getting an idea of what they want to watch," The Wrap reported on Sandi Harding's story.

Obviously, it's easy to wonder how much longer a store of this type will be able to exist. But faced with such concern, Sandi Harding is positive, The Wrap reports. As she says: "I think we’re going to be fine."