Last Blockbuster Store in Bend, Oregon Isn’t Closing, Despite Viral Claims
3 min read
A viral social media post recently claimed that the last remaining Blockbuster store in Bend, Oregon, would close on October 31, 2024. Shared widely on various platforms, the post sparked nostalgia and sadness among many who remember Blockbuster as the iconic video rental giant. Among those sharing the news was X (formerly Twitter) user Mario Nawfal, who posted on October 24, 2024, stating that “the final Blockbuster store is closing its doors on Halloween,” marking the end of an era.
Nawfal’s post credited NBC News as the source, but a closer look reveals that this information is unfounded. In fact, NBC News did not report on any such closure, nor did any credible news outlets confirm the rumor. Additionally, Blockbuster Bend’s official Facebook page did not make any announcements hinting at a potential shutdown, fueling further skepticism.
Oh, this makes me want to go visit the 'Last Blockbuster Store' in Bend, OR before it closes.
— Aaron Kempf (@AaronKempf3) October 29, 2024
How sad.
Of course, Disney has increased their ANNUAL price from $59 to $159/year these last 5 years. WTF? Argh! pic.twitter.com/ITc7Vr1HrJ
On October 29, 2024, Sandi Harding, the manager of the Bend Blockbuster, debunked the claim in an interview with Central Oregon Daily. She explained that the viral post had sparked considerable confusion among fans of the store and led to an influx of calls and emails asking if the closure rumors were true. Harding clarified, “We’re not closing,” and added that the store’s social media team even made posts to correct the misinformation, but the rumor continued to circulate, causing concern among longtime customers.
As the rumor gained traction, it led to a noticeable surge in customer visits and orders at the Bend Blockbuster. Many, fearing that they were about to lose a piece of pop culture history, flocked to the store for one last chance to rent movies and buy Blockbuster memorabilia. Some visitors even traveled from out of state, like one man from Sacramento, California, who drove over eight hours upon hearing the news. Speaking with Central Oregon Daily, he recounted, “I’m scrolling through and I see this thing that says they’re about to close on Halloween, and I’m just like, ‘No, I’ve been putting it off forever, so I took this as a sign that I finally needed to visit.’” He was shocked to learn from the store staff that the closure announcement was simply a hoax.
This is proof/evidence that the last Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon is NOT closing anytime soon. pic.twitter.com/iKu5bII8dA
— Alec Behan (@alec_behan) October 26, 2024
For those unfamiliar, the Bend Blockbuster is a nostalgic landmark, symbolizing the last vestige of a once-global chain. Founded by Ken and Debbie Tisher in 1992, the Bend location became the world’s last Blockbuster store after the company’s fall in the face of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. While its siblings shuttered their doors, this last Blockbuster has continued to attract attention, welcoming both locals and tourists who want to relive the days of browsing physical movie aisles.
This isn’t the first time the Bend Blockbuster has been the subject of a closure rumor. Given its iconic status, fake news regarding its fate has surfaced multiple times, often prompting fans to visit the store out of fear of losing a piece of history. With the ease of spreading misinformation on social media, Blockbuster Bend’s managers and staff encourage people to verify such news through official channels.
In conclusion, the viral post about the Bend Blockbuster’s closure is false. The store remains open and has no immediate plans to shut down. Fans can continue visiting and experiencing the last standing Blockbuster, where rows of DVDs, VHS tapes, and movie memorabilia offer a nostalgic escape into the past.
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Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
