Liberty Street Video closing its doors
What about something a little more obscure than the new releases? How about an international documentary ? A cult favorite? Chances are you may not find those little known favorites at the bigger chain stores, but you generally can at Liberty Street Video.
Make that could.
Dave Kozlowski, the owner of the store has closed the shop due to economic hardships. Kozlowski says the turn in the economy has caused the store to be less than profitable; he has subsidized the business time and again over the course of its 3 year existence in his care. December saw the beginning of this latest decline, and Kozlowski decided he would not be renewing his lease come December.
The store has a nice niche in Ann Arbor, and Kozlowski fears the closing will leave a gap in the local market. He said he is sad to close.
But Kozlowski remains mildly optimistic. He said there's a small chance that he could turn the business into a buy/sell/trade operation much like Encore Recordings down the street, but with a focus on movies. Encore Recordings at 417 E. Liberty St. buys and sells music recordings in most formats as well as other music related merchandise.
Kozlowski said his ability to transform the Liberty Street Video into a similar business depends on the success of his sale.
Sale? Yes!
Though the store is closed today, it will re-open starting Wednesday, Oct. 7, to sell off merchandise. “Everything is for sale; if it does not have a price, ask,” Kozlowski says. Employees are organizing the store to sell comedy, drama and other common genres in the basement of the store for $5 each. New releases and more unusual titles will sell for $6 on the main floor. Liberty Street Video will also be selling racks, registers, machines, DVD players, and their commercial-line popcorn machine.
If the sale is profitable enough, there is a chance that Kozlowski’s presence in the local hunt for obscure movies will not be lost. The store Web site has information about the closing sale and store hours.
Lead Retail Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com
Comments
Angela Smith
Wed, Oct 7, 2009 : 8:19 a.m.
Thanks for pointing out the possible error. I am trying to reach Mr. Kozlowski to confirm that he was referring to the local store, and will update this post when I do.
YpsiChris
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 10:35 p.m.
Reason #894 AnnArbor.com is a travesty. I honestly don't know whether to laugh or just shake my head that the "Encore" thing slipped thru an editor.
Steve Gutterman
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 5:01 p.m.
It's actually Encore RecordINGs. Oddly enuf, on its website, the British Encore Records name appears in very same font as does the A2 store's name does on its website.. But I agree with AndyYpsi--it is a pretty embarrassing mix-up for a local blogger. Re the comment about editorial fact-checking, does AnnArbor.com in fact fact check its bloggers' entries?
AndyYpsilanti
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 4:30 p.m.
This is just a guess, but I'm thinking that the Encore Records that Mr. Kozlowski is talking about IS THE ONE RIGHT DOWN LIBERTY STREET IN ANN ARBOR!!! Glad to see the retail blogger is so familier with A2 stores. Nice fact checking too, editors. Wonder if I'll be aressivly moderated for pointing out blatant errors?
John Galt
Tue, Oct 6, 2009 : 3:45 p.m.
Stores are dropping like flies in Ann Arbor. Also, some of the restaurants. However, I think new concepts like Netflix and on-demand movies are going to diminish demand for these video stores. It would be interesting to see an article that covers the recent store/restaurant closings in the city and also what has opened.