The last Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon, has become the target of a viral rumor claiming it will close its doors on October 31, 2024. Social media posts have been widely shared, announcing the supposed end of this iconic location, but there is no official news to support the claim. A quick glance at the store’s official Facebook page reveals no announcements about any upcoming closure, and the Blockbuster staff has not made any statements about ending operations.
Blockbuster Video, founded in 1985 in Dallas, Texas, once reigned supreme as the go-to spot for movie rentals across the United States and beyond. In its heyday during the 1990s, Blockbuster operated over 9,000 stores, becoming a familiar part of the weekly routine for families and friends looking for the latest VHS tapes, DVDs, and video games. But as streaming services like Netflix and digital rentals rose in popularity, Blockbuster's fortune began to wane. After filing for bankruptcy in 2010, most of the corporate-owned Blockbuster stores closed by 2014, and slowly, the franchise locations disappeared too.
Today, the Bend Blockbuster stands as the last remaining store of the once-dominant brand, offering a nostalgic experience that draws visitors from all over the world. Its shelves are still stocked with DVDs, Blu-rays, and even a few VHS tapes, providing a physical reminder of the 1990s and early 2000s when Friday night movie rentals were a tradition. The Bend Blockbuster has become more than just a store; it's a cultural landmark. Fans of the brand and curious tourists flock to it, buying branded merchandise and reveling in a unique trip down memory lane. The store has even been featured in a documentary, “The Last Blockbuster,” which celebrates its resilience and the role it plays in preserving the Blockbuster experience.
The viral rumor about the store's supposed closure is just that – a rumor. There is no truth to it, and for now, the Bend Blockbuster is here to stay, inviting anyone with a love for movie nights and a sense of nostalgia to visit. For those planning a trip to Bend specifically to visit this beloved store, rest assured, Blockbuster’s legacy is still alive and well in Oregon.
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