The world’s last ever Blockbuster video store is offering film fans the opportunity to spend the night in the store through Airbnb as an “end of summer sleepover.”
The excitement of deciding what weekly flicks to pick at the local video shop may be a distant, fond memory, but one Blockbuster store located in Bent, Oregan is keeping the ’90s dream alive as the last store of the franchise left in the world as of March 19 2019, after Sydney’s last store shut its doors.
Store manager Sandi Harding wanted to show her appreciation for the town’s locals who have helped keep Blockbuster afloat and decided to turn the store into the world’s most epic slumber party that resembles a 1990s living room – complete with a pull-out couch, bean bags, and loads of classic VHS tapes and video games.
“Our Blockbuster store is open because of the incredible local community in Bend, and we’ve been grateful to have the support of those beyond our town as the coronavirus pandemic has impacted our business,” she wrote on Airbnb listing.
“To celebrate and pay it forward in this tradition of support, Airbnb will make a donation to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, a longtime partner of ours.”
“As the last standing location in the world, our Blockbuster store is an ode to movie magic, simpler times and the sense of community that could once be found in Blockbuster locations around the world,” Harding explained.
According to the press release, guests who book the store – which will be available for just $4 – will be treated to “all the movies your heart could desire.”
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“We’ve created the perfect space complete with a pull-out couch, bean bags and pillows for you to cozy up with ‘new releases’ from the ‘90s,” the Airbnb description read.
“Crack open a two-litre of Pepsi before locking into a video game, charting your future in a game of MASH, or watching movie after movie. But be wary of reciting ‘Bloody Mary’ in the staff bathroom off of the break room, as you just may summon the ghost rumoured to haunt the store. And help yourself to some NERDS, Raisinets and popcorn (heavy on the butter), but make sure you save room for a couple slices.”
Reservations will go live on Monday, August 17th to book the available dates on September 18th, 19th and 20th. Up to four people can attend each night of the sleepover, though only residents of Deschutes County have been invited to book.
