Last Blockbuster left standing released ad during Super Bowl, boosting sales 200%, says manager
The Bend, Oregon, location ran the ad on social media – it featured a cockroach roaming the streets
Blockbuster opened its first movie-rental store location in Dallas, Texas, in 1985.
Now, over 35 years later, one last one store remains, located in Bend, Oregon.
Blockbuster manager Sandi Harding joined "Fox & Friends" on Thursday morning to discuss her store and what they did to boost sales 200%.
LAST BLOCKBUSTER, LOCATED IN BEND, OREGON, TO HOST CONTEST WINNER FOR EXCLUSIVE MOVIE AND GAME NIGHT
The Blockbuster location released a retro-themed Super Bowl-like ad on social media during the big game on February 12 — and the video ad went viral.
"We cannot afford to spend $7 million," she said, explaining why they chose to post the ad on social media rather than on television.
The advertisement shows a lonely, post-apocalyptic cockroach roaming the streets looking for something — before eventually finding the last Blockbuster location on earth.
LAST BLOCKBUSTER STORE ON EARTH LOCATED IN US, AS AUSTRALIAN LOCATION CLOSES
Harding said the idea came from a team of people who were seeking a fun and retro idea — a total "blockbuster" moment.
Since the ad was posted online, the Blockbuster's location sales have skyrocketed 200%, said Harding.
Harding said she thinks people are loving the ad's nostalgia factor.
"I think it’s great that people are nostalgic for it. It’s certainly helping us stay alive," she said.
LAST SURVIVING BLOCKBUSTER IN OREGON WILL SOON BE AVAILABLE TO RENT ON AIRBNB
"Fox & Friends" cohost Steve Doocy said he remembered taking his children to Blockbuster years ago — agreeing with Harding that coming to a consensus on what to watch was sometimes a struggle.
"It’s a great family moment when you can come in."
Harding said she gets emails from people around the country who decorate their basements just like Blockbuster locations.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
They enjoy searching through their VHS tapes for just the right movie to watch — just as in the good old days.
It's safe to say the Blockbuster nostalgia is still very much alive in Bend, Oregon.
"It’s a great family moment when you can come in," she said.
The last Blockbuster location is capitalizing on its position, even creating Blockbuster merchandise for sale online.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Those who are interested in purchasing vintage Blockbuster-themed sunglasses, T-shirts and sweatshirts can visit bendblockbuster.com.