Local video store that defines the odds and is open for 14,000 days

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – In a world where everything is at your fingertips, watching your favorite movies has never been easier, but there's a video store in Somerville that's one of the last still standing.

The video stop Off Highway 64 has been owned by William Gilbert since 1988 and has not closed its doors for a single day in that time.

“After four, five, eight years I felt like I had never graduated before, and after that I thought I can't graduate anymore, now I have to set a world record,” Gilbert said.

Now you may be wondering how he affords to stay open every day in an industry where stores are closing everywhere, but for Gilbert, it's all about creativity.

“You have to be very good at putting money where it needs to be used,” Gilbert said.

Another option is to offer more offers than you can imagine, such as winning a free movie if you get a green gum, five movies for ten dollars, or the Gilbert special.

“One day they'll be on my coffin, if I rent three I get a fourth for free, that's my specialty that I've been doing for years,” Gilbert said.

He says it's not the most profitable industry, but his message is simple.

“My thing is always: You don’t have to spend all your money on me just a little bit,” Gilbert said.

If you ever need the latest releases or some VHS throwbacks, be sure to stop by Video Stop.

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