Hollywood Comes to Pike County
Westfall What has 15,000 movies, plus video games, popcorn, soda, ice cream, and candy, is open seven days a week 10 a.m.-midnight, and is right here in Westfall? The answer is Hollywood Video. According to Robin Speedling, the friendly store director of our local Hollywood Video, this second largest video rental chain in the U.S. came to Pike County because it is a beautiful area, with a lot to offer and a growing community. Speedling took time out from her busy store to answer our questions and she is offering a very interesting surprise to readers of this article but you have to read to the end. PCC: How does one become an employee in a video store? RS: A person has to have a real passion for movies. When I interview someone for a position, I ask their opinion about movies and games that they know. This is crucial. PCC: How do you select the “Hollywood Recommends” movies? RS: We get a list from corporate and then we all watch all the new releases that come out every Tuesday. We operate like a family and share our knowledge and opinions. We have three shift leaders; Ian Pontious (who’s particularly knowledgeable about our previously-viewed movies), Jason Fairweather, who is our special inhouse movie critic, and Anita Storms who is excellent with many of our customers. PCC: How do you compete with Netflix? RS: We find that a lot of people actually like to get out and look at the back of the box. Also, we know our regular customers and their tastes and our staff can be very helpful on a personal basis. Sometimes we even have a new movie ready for these people as soon as they walk through the door. That’s really fun. We have a very good connection with our customers. PCC: Which are the most popular TV movies/series you carry? RS: The Sopranos, 24, Six Feet Under, and Prison Break. PCC: How much are your DVDs? RS: Our regular DVDs are $4.49 for new releases and $3.99 for Hollywood® Library DVDs. We have Blue Rays and Hi-Def DVDs for 5.99 each. All rentals are for five days. PCC: What kinds of video games do you carry? RS: We have XBOX 360, regular XBOX, Wiigames, Nintendo Game Cube, and Playstation 2 and 3. We also sell new games and systems and take trade-ins, too. PCC: It is interesting that Hollywood Video is such a huge operation, yet there is a nice neighborhood feel to it. RS: We like to reach out to the community. We are currently working with the DV Middle School, giving out gift baskets and coupons for awards. The kids find this very motivating. We also sell gift cards and gift baskets to the general public. PCC: What is the surprise you have for our readers? RS: We will give a “Special Savings ” coupon to anyone who brings in this article within the next two weeks Hollywood Video 102 Milford Landing, Suite 9 U.S. Route 6/209, Westfall 570- 491-5486 Store Hours: 10 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week Open on holidays, as well www.hollywoodvideo.com