Family Video
Family Video Revolutionizing Video Renting
by Karen Fetter
Family Video has revolutionized the video rental system. With its
specials deals, promotions, and effective policies, this growing
family-based business is pleasing its customers.
"Family Video's mission is to be our customers' first entertainment
choice. We do this by providing a unique mix of great customer
service and low prices," said Deborah Bowman, store manager for the
Latrobe Family Video located on Depot Street. "Customer service is
our top priority."
Often, renting videos can be quite costly and the selection minimal.
However, with Family Video, the rules have changed. All new video
releases are only $2.50 and non-new releases are $1.00. Not to
mention that children's, sports and fitness, and educational videos
are all free. Other rentals include video games for X-Box, Game
Cube, and PlayStation 2.
"We have a fantastic selection with a good stock of new releases,"
said Bowman. "Nobody can beat our price and large selection."
In addition to these great deals, there are other promotions that
customers can participate in. Currently, there is a mid-week special
that is available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday that allows
customers to rent a new release and get a $1.00 movie rental for
free. There is a half-off card that can be purchased for $9.95 that
allows customers to rent videos for half price for 30 days. Family
Video also runs a 30-day promotion where students can receive a free
video rental for every "A" on their report card.
Another service Family Video provides is high speed dial-up internet
for $13.95 a month. This service comes with an excellent technical
support staff that allows customers to talk at their convenience.
The service also requires no contract.
Family Video also offers an E-commerce service where customers can
purchase videos and games and have them shipped directly to their
house for just $.99. The service is very convenient for new releases
and special requests. The service can be ordered through a store or
from the website,
www.familyvideo.com.
Family Video currently has three stores in Westmoreland County
located in Latrobe, Greensburg, and Lower Burrell. The location in
Latrobe was the first store to open in Pennsylvania in October of
2002. Since that time, Family Video has expanded to 16 stores in the
state and hopes to continue to grow, especially in Westmoreland
County, according to Bowman.
Family Video stores are growing in general across the United States
with stores in Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Carolina, Indiana,
Illinois, Ohio, and New York. There are over 6,000 employees working
for Family Video, but the growing business knows that treating its
employees is very important.
"We empower all of our employees. We let them decide what it takes
to make a customer happy. We give them that benefit. And we also
take all input into account from our employees that let us know what
we are doing right and what we might be able to change," said
Bowman.
Family Video was started by Charles Hoogland in 1978, which was
originally named Midstates Appliance and Supply Company. This store
had received a huge number of videos and it was suggested that they
rent the videos to the public. The Video Movie Club of Springfield
was born. It was one of the very first video rental stores in the
country and it had no competition. The chain of video stores evolved
from this club and is now the largest privately-owned video rental
chain in the country. Today Charles and his two sons Keith and Eric
run the family business. Their goal is to be the largest
privately-owned business in the United States by 2010.
Family Video is very involved with the Westmoreland County
community. It is an active member for Relay for Life and makes
donations to charities and local schools and programs.
"Family Video is doing well in this area and we like to give
back to the community as much as possible," said Bowman.
Take advantage of having an accommodating and low-cost video
store in your area and stop by Family Video in Latrobe, Greensburg
or Lower Burrell. Hours are 10 a.m. to midnight seven days a week.
Visit
www.familyvideo.com for more information.