Family Video
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This article relies on references to primary sources or sources affiliated with the subject, rather than references from independent authors and third-party publications. Please add citations from reliable sources. (December 2011) |
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| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video rental |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Headquarters | Glenview, Illinois, USA |
| Key people | Charles Hoogland, CEO Keith Hoogland, President Eric Hoogland, Vice-President |
| Employees | c.6,000 (2006) |
| Website | www.familyvideo.com |
Family Video is the largest privately-owned video rental chain in the United States, and second largest overall.[1] The company has its headquarters in Glenview, Cook County, Illinois.[2] The company has over 785 stores across nineteen states,[3] with their strongest customer base in the Midwest, and has an emerging commercial property division, fitness division, fiber optics division, and ecommerce division. About 5 years ago the company sold its dialup ISP (Family Online) to EarthLink, which folded those customers into their PeoplePC low-cost internet service. The company also sells new and used movies and games online.[4] In early 2012 Family Video will enter the Canadian market with 4 stores in Ontario. [5]
[edit] History
Family Video was started by Charles Hoogland in Springfield, IL in 1978. Hoogland inherited Midstates Appliance and Supply Co., the predecessor to Family Video, from his father, Clarence Hoogland, who started the company in 1946. In the 1970s, Midstates Appliance got stuck with a large quantity of videos. It was suggested that they rent the videos, and the Video Movie Club of Springfield was born. The Video Movie Club was one of the very first video rental stores in the country and had no competition. The Club charged $25 for membership and $5 for a three-night movie rental. The Family Video chain of stores evolved from this club.[6]
In 2003, Family Video announced it would be relocating its headquarters to Glenview, IL.
