When Take 2 Video remodeled its South University Drive location last summer to cut the size of the store in half, it posted a sign to tell customers it was still open - a necessary assurance at a time when traditional video stores, beset by new delivery models like Netflix, instant kiosks, and on-demand downloads, were dropping like flies.
The store had already closed most of its locations, which at one time tallied more than 160 across eight states. Owner Marty Riske said at the time he hoped a transition to a new release-centric model would keep the remaining Fargo locations - on University and 19th Avenue North - viable.
But as it turns out, the downsizing could only stave off a permanent shutdown for so long. Now, the two stores will close, selling off inventory at deep discounts (DVDs are now advertised at 75 percent off).
It's the end of a two-and-a-half decade run for the locally owned business. But in this case, it was probably inevitable.
Systemic changes in distribution have rendered brick-and-mortar video stores obsolete - and indeed, have taken a toll on brick-and-mortar media stores of all stripes, as Borders' recent bankruptcy filing and closing announcements can attest. Movie Gallery and Hollywood video both went belly-up last year.
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Even Blockbuster, which still has stores in the Fargo-Moorhead area, has been touting its digital downloads and on-demand offerings in anticipation of the day when its physical locations are no more.
Lucky's 13 coming
Lucky's 13, a pub-style restaurant with locations in the Twin Cities and Spearfish, S.D., is coming to Fargo. The restaurant has filed plans for a location at 4301 17th Avenue South, nestled among the Ramada, Expressway Suites, and a handful of other hotels.
It's unclear when the restaurant will open. The menus of the other locations are heavy on pub fare, with long lists of burgers and sandwiches to go with appetizers ranging from the usual (tater tots, onion rings) to the eye-catching (bacon-wrapped shrimp, mini gyros).
A new building is going up to house the restaurant. An agent from Lexstar Development, which is developing the parcel, said an eye doctor will also move in.
Chamber to announce new name
After carrying a mouthful of a name for several months, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce is finally on the verge of announcing a new (hopefully streamlined) moniker.
The chamber will announce its new name and logo on Wednesday. To date, it's simply conglomerated the names of merged chambers - first Fargo and Moorhead in 1997, then West Fargo last fall - into the unwieldy name it bears today. The chamber has been tight-lipped about what the new name will be - they wouldn't even tell me if it will be shorter.
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The Forum's Tracy Frank contributed to this column.
Readers can reach Forum business reporter Marino Eccher at (701) 241-5502
