For 43 years Steve Webber has been behind the desk of Northgate Video, but how has he kept going amid the demise of chain retailers like Blockbuster a

DVD shop owner vows to be 'last man standing'

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2025-01-06 09:30:04

For 43 years Steve Webber has been behind the desk of Northgate Video, but how has he kept going amid the demise of chain retailers like Blockbuster and the rise of streaming services?

But for those who head inside, it is like stepping back in time as customers are greeted by walls of shelves packed with thousands of DVDs for sale and rent. And a movie is always playing on a TV by the window.

Mr Webber, 72, says while he has some regulars, he gets passing trade from people intrigued by the idea a video or DVD rental shop still exists.

"It's just nice to see people come in and say, 'Oh wow, I didn't realise places like this existed'," he said.

One thing never changed though, the most popular rentals were always new releases or horror films - "anything not available on TV".

The most popular items over the years have included the lesser-known Zombie Flesh Eaters alongside hits like Apocalypse Now, Mad Max, Life of Brian and Star Trek.