For Colleen Shehab, Beacon Video has played an important role in many stages of her life.
After her husband died 25 years ago, Shehab started to go regularly to Beacon Video in Felton to rent movies to help cope with her loss.
“I was a regular at Beacon Video, watching movies helped me when I could not sleep at night. One day I saw an ad in the store for hiring help,” Shehab said. “I started working behind the counter. Then, in 2010, I purchased the store from the previous owner.”
With over 6,000 movie titles of all genres curated by Shehab, Beacon Video, serves as a staple, providing entertainment for residents in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Ask Shehab for a movie recommendation, she will easily point a customer in the direction of the latest science fiction thriller or based on a true story film.
But within the last couple of years, the influx of Redbox and online streaming networks, like Netflix, it became difficult for Shehab to compete.
Despite having over 300 customers on average a year, at the end of April, Beacon Video will shut its doors.
It was not an easy decision, but Shehab and her sister, Kathy Cleary, who helps run the store, decided it was time to close.
Shehab is quick to point out, the community she served was one of her favorite parts of owning the video store.
“I have seen kids grow up and now they have babies of their own,” Shehab said. “Everyone likes the one on one interaction. I was like a bartender. I was the person people could talk to about their problems or troubles.”
Until the store officially closes, Shehab will continue to provide the latest new releases on DVD and Blu-ray for rental or purchase. Customers can also take part in the store’s sale of movies and posters up until the store closes or runs out of inventory. Shehab will be selling DVDs and Blu-rays for $2 or $5.
Once Beacon Video closes in April, there will be just one video store left in the area, located in Scotts Valley. Shehab said after the store shuts, she will spend more time with her granddaughter and back into enjoying some of her hobbies, such as making photo collages.
According to Shehab, there are currently no plans for what might replace Beacon Video.
“I went through stages of my life here,” Shehab said. “Even though the town has grown up, it still feels like a small community that’s been here forever. It’s been a ride.”
