Alex Video

Once upon a time, there was this video store in Hawthorne, CA that had the greatest selection of VHS, Laser Discs and Video Games. Alex Video was a great mom and pop video store which I had the opportunity to work for. Unfortunately the shop closed down around 2004.
What kept the business afloat was the reasonable prices for rental, and also its great customer service. The business stood its ground for a good 20 years before the owner finally decided to call it quits.
It had a top notch selection of classics and new releases, as well as several genres of movies. Ranging from action, martial arts, drama, comedy… to Spanish, Filipino, and Japanese movies. Even when Blockbusters and Hollywood Videos opened near by, the business stood firm and continued to grow in membership until the very end.
Along with the great customer service, customer’s usually got away with unpaid tabs since the owner was too nice of a guy to collect. When I was still working there, I was one of the enforcers that collected and would even chase down the customers to the front yelling out «where’s my money man!!!, I’m really getting tired of you ducking me!»
I would say that Alex Video was one of the last few local non-​chain video stores that existed in the area. It even had several movie stars pass by and leave their autographs at the store. Anyone living in the Hawthorne area has to remember it and it’s big sign off of Hawthorne BLVD. I’m sure many of the members miss the store. RIP Alex Video.