Last southern suburbs video rental store still an important part of community

A WHITE Gum Valley business is flying the flag for nostalgia as the last southern suburbs video rental store.

Located at the former Starland Video site on South Street, FanBase Collectables is run by former Spearwood Ezy owner Mat Rolfe.

The store opened in June 2019 and along with DVDs there are collectables, while Nat Houston runs Discography Vinyl Records.

Mr Rolfe said the store was a “nostalgic hub” and an important part of the community.

“In the past five or six years every small video rental store has closed,” he said.

“They are still important though because it’s a place the community can come to.”

Ms Houston said the nostalgic aspect to the store was appealing to people in a fast-paced, headphones-in world.

“People like coming and looking at things with their own eyes while also being able to get a smile and a conversation from us,” she said.

“It can be too insular if you are listening to music via your headphones; there’s a communal experience with vinyls.”

The store is located at 216 South Street.