Downtown Kitchener video rental store prepares to shut down, again
It’s a sequel of sorts for a downtown Kitchener video rental store, as it gets set to say goodbye for good.
It's the end of an era in Waterloo region, with Far Out Flicks being the last of its kind. But this isn't the first time the store has prepared to pack up.
The Kitchener staple was set to close at the end of 2021, but a new deal with the landlord kept the doors open for its 20th year. But is there a chance this story becomes a trilogy?
"Yeah, one would think. Usually, I don't like trilogies," said owner Rolf Glemser, laughing.
He says the finale of Far Out Flicks will come on Jan. 15, 2023, after getting a 15-day reprieve from when his lease is up at the end of this year. In the meantime, he is doing a big screen sendoff by selling the store's extensive video collection.
"DVDs are a buck. I've got VHS [tapes], 10 for a dollar. TV shows, two bucks," said Glemser.
Far Out Flicks will be flicking the lights off in the new year. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News Kitchener)
When it comes to why Far Out Flicks is flicking the lights off, the high cost of rent is partially to blame. Pair that with the competition of streaming giants, and keeping the screens on becomes nearly impossible.
But Glemser says those services are lacking when it comes to making strong movie recommendations. He says each person on his staff has their favourite genre, and once they know what a customer likes, they can help choose similar movies. He argues streaming services aren't as accurate.
"Amazon said if you like Rango, get Human Centipede 3. I'm not kidding," Glemser said.
Customers say a store like Far Out Flicks is so valuable because they offer films and shows you can watch again and again. With streaming services, that's not always promised.
"If a company decides to revoke the privilege to some show you watch, you might not ever end up watching that show," said Charles, a customer.
Glemser predicts a resurgence of movie stores as early as the next decade. Does that mean Far Out Flicks could be part of that? He didn't say yes, but he also didn't say no.
Still, Far Out Flicks won't completely disappear. Once the store closes, Glemser plans to sell movies over the phone, online and at the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market as soon as the spring.
In the meantime, he offered up some movie-watching advice -- the movie isn't always over when you think it is.
"When the credits are over, watch the rest of the movie," he said, listing off some films where this is the case. "There's still more stuff at the end of the credits."
So even though the credits may be rolling on this part of Glemser's story, keep watching closely because sometimes it's worth sticking around until the very end.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull dies at 84
Hockey Hall of Famer Bobby Hull has died at the age of 84. He played for the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and Hartford Whalers as well as the World Hockey Association's Winnipeg Jets over a 23-year pro career.

Girl, 6, dead after accident at ski resort north of Montreal on Sunday
A six-year-old girl died in hospital Sunday night after being involved in an incident at the Val-Saint-Côme ski resort in Lanaudiere. Quebec police are investigating, though details into the event are not yet known. Officers indicated that it involved a T-bar lift, but they were not able to say more.
New alcohol recommendations could speed up changing drinking habits: businesses
Advocates and business owners in the beverage industry say new guidance for drinking alcohol could speed up changing consumer drinking habits as younger generations drink less and non-alcoholic beverages become more popular.
WHO: COVID-19 still an emergency but nearing 'inflection' point
The coronavirus remains a global health emergency, the World Health Organization chief said Monday, after a key advisory panel found the pandemic may be nearing an 'inflection point' where higher levels of immunity can lower virus-related deaths.
All countries 'dangerously unprepared' for future pandemics: report
The world is 'dangerously unprepared' for future pandemics, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) say in a report published on Monday, calling on countries to update their preparedness plans by year-end.
Are you a Ukrainian who recently moved to Canada? We want to hear from you
With Russia's invasion of Ukraine displacing millions of people, many refugees have begun to lay their roots in Canada. If you or someone you know has fled the war-torn country and settled in Canada, we want to hear from you.
NDP to call for emergency debate in House of Commons over private health care
Federal New Democrat Leader Jagmeet Singh says he will call on the House of Commons to hold an emergency debate on the privatization of health care.
COVID-19 global emergency isn't over: 5 things to know about the WHO decision
The World Health Organization decided Monday not to declare an end to the COVID-19 global public health emergency.
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet set to retire after overseeing Vatican's bishops' office
Marc Ouellet, the Quebec cardinal who oversaw the Vatican's powerful bishops' office and has been recently accused of sexual misconduct, is retiring.