Business Profile: Videotheque

Today the store holds a collection of over 30,000 titles, truly living up to its name which translates from French to: “Video Library.” – Photo by Gus Herrera

By Gus Herrera

Videotheque is a movie-lover’s paradise. Searching for that hard-to-find foreign film or cult classic? Have you already exhausted your Netflix account? Then look no further than South Pasadena’s one-stop cinema shop. Whether you are simply looking to rent a weekend flick or you are a hardcore movie-buff seeking that rare, final piece for your collection, Videotheque will be able to help you out.

Owner Mark Wright opened up shop in 2003, originally at the corner of Mission and Meridian. The store began with a modest catalog of a couple thousand titles, a combination of Wright’s personal collection and new acquisitions. Despite its inception taking place during what turned out to be a very turbulent time for larger companies such as Blockbuster and Hollywood Video, Videotheque persevered by establishing itself within niche markets.

Owner Mark Wright opened up shop in 2003. – Photo by Gus Herrera

Wright revealed that by exploring certain niches which the larger chains did not involve themselves with (i.e. documentaries, international films, indie, cult classics, and television shows) Videotheque was able to overcome the newfound challenges presented by Netflix and online streaming. In effect, the store cultivated a very specific foundation of customers on which to grow the business. Resultantly, Videotheque did not just survive when its larger counterparts failed, it thrived.

Eventually Wright’s business outgrew its humble beginnings and in 2009, the store moved down the street to its current location which is almost 33 percent larger than the original space. Today the store holds a collection of over 30,000 titles, truly living up to its name which translates from French to: “Video Library.”

The store carries every genre imaginable and each section is conveniently organized by director or actor. But Wright’s pride and joy lies in his international film collection, which covers just about every corner of the globe. It is in this variety and breadth of scope that the business’ success lies. Even today, when there are seemingly infinite options to stream online, many foreign films and older classics are still unavailable on digital mediums. Thanks to their massive collection, the store is, in a sense, immune to the challenges put forth by this digital age we live in. While online services are competing with each other, struggling to acquire studio rights, Videotheque already has it all. Instead of limiting yourself to online selections restricted by Hollywood politics, step inside the vast Videotheque archives where you can seemingly browse for hours upon hours.

In addition to movies, Videotheque boasts a fantastic collection of vintage records (they also pay cash for used vinyl), unique movie posters and postcards that you cannot find anywhere else, and even its very own line of film-inspired t-shirts.

Today the store holds a collection of over 30,000 titles, truly living up to its name which translates from French to: “Video Library.” – Photo by Gus Herrera

Videotheque is open late (closes at 11 p.m. seven days a week), so next time you find yourself having a particularly quiet Friday night, or if you just cannot seem to find anything to watch, swing by Videotheque. Membership to rent is completely free and the store offers special rental package deals that will send you home with hours of entertainment, all while delivering minimal damage to your wallet.

Videotheque is located at 1020 Mission St., suite J, conveniently near the Metro Gold Line station on Meridian.

For more information, call (626) 403-6621 or visit Videotheque online at www.vidtheque.com or on Facebook and Instagram. You can also shop online at https://www.etsy.com/shop/Videotheque.

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