The business Decision Family Video made to keep its doors open

At its peak, Blockbuster operated 9,000 stores across the country. Now there's just one left in Bend, Oregon.

Online streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have been the main reason storefronts like Blockbuster have closed down.

However, Family Video made one key business decision that made sure it's doors would stay open despite the growing popularity on online streaming services.

Off camera, the store manager of the Lackawanna Family Video, Shayna Metzger, said one of the main ways the company keeps its doors open is that it owns the real estate it sits on. That way the parent company of Family Video, Highland Ventures, is able to rent part of its property to other chains like Little Caesars. Around 2011, the Family Video on Ridge Road downsized to make room for a Little Caesers, Metzger said.

According to Forbes, in 2016 Family Video made about $400 million, but its real estate was worth around $750 million.

Although, none of this would be possible if people still didn't like to rent movies. Metzger said people come in for the experience.

“But when you walk in here you say hi to the friendly person behind the counter, and you get to walk around and mull over your decision."

It's the same reason why Buffalo native, David Burns, comes to the Ridge Road Family Video every week.

“See, I can look at the back and say hey look okay that's whats it about. Oh, look its a short movie. Oh, this is who is in it and that," Burns said.

Metzger said that a lot of business comes from regular customers.

"There are a lot of them. I just know their name.”

She also said that there is no fear of the Family Video she manages closing anytime soon.

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