While big-name video stores have gone the way of the dodo bird, Joey’s Video Stop on 12th Street has survived. But a recent theft has left the fate of the beloved business in jeopardy.
Owner Joey Le’s inventory of more 7,000-plus DVDs was wiped out when thieves broke into the shop at 936 12th St. sometime over the New Year’s holiday.
Along with the DVDs, thieves also stole cash, computers and other items.
While Le ponders his next move, many in the community are devastated by the destruction to the local business and expressing a desire to help Le rebuild if possible.
As news of the theft began to spread, residents tossed around ideas like video drives and fundraisers.
Joey’s Video Stop served as the inspiration for local author and broadcaster J.J. Lee’s most recent Christmas ghost story, The Video Emporium.
In addition to renting movies from Joey’s, Lee also worked at the business part-time.
“I love Joey’s. It really means a lot,” he said. “There’s a line in the story where the main character realizes how much the video store means to the customers. But it goes both ways. It’s how much the people working at the video store need the people.”
Lee is saddened by the idea of not returning to Joey’s Video Stop in the near future, or at least until Le gets the situation sorted out.
“I was devastated,” he said about the theft. “The story for me captures that really meaningful part of what it means to walk into the store and be around people who love movies.”
Some of the movie buffs who frequent Joey’s Video Stop are the children of people who have been frequenting the store for years.
“I am still a paying customer,” Lee said. “We don’t do Netflix, we never do Netflix. The market migrated already – whoever was going to do it went, whoever was going to stay behind is still there. That’s what I feel. Until I am dead or I just can’t find any DVDs, I’ll be renting.”
Le is taking some time to contemplate his next step but noted it would cost at least $45,000 to get the shop operational. While he’s devastated by the theft, he’s contemplating future endeavours in New Westminster.
Along with 32 binders each containing 256 DVDs, Le said thieves also took the store’s two computers and security system. Le said he has been overwhelmed by the community’s support, noting community members have dropped off letters and cards at the shop and left messages on the answering machine.
The New Westminster Police Department is investigating.
