Family Video

Family Video began in 1978 when Charles Hoogland opened the first store in Springfield, Illinois, building on his family’s experience in the magnetic tape distribution business. Over the decades, the company grew steadily, eventually becoming the largest privately owned video rental chain in the United States. At its peak, Family Video operated more than 800 stores, primarily across the Midwest, and set itself apart by owning most of its retail properties. This approach gave the company unusual flexibility and staying power, even as competitors like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video disappeared from the landscape.

A notable milestone in Family Video’s history was its expansion into multi-use retail, adding pizza franchises and fitness centers to some locations to create broader community destinations. By the early 2000s, this diversification reflected the company’s willingness to adapt as consumer habits shifted.

As of January 2021, Family Video closed its remaining 250 stores, citing the combined challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the widespread adoption of digital streaming. The company was never acquired and remained under family ownership throughout its run. Following the closure, the real estate portfolio—consisting largely of freestanding retail sites—came under the management of Highland Ventures Ltd., which continues to own and lease these properties to new tenants. Today, Highland Ventures focuses on repositioning former Family Video locations for alternative uses, including retail, restaurant, and service businesses.

Family Video’s legacy is closely tied to its real estate strategy and its scale as the last major national video rental chain in the country. The company’s transition from retail operations to active real estate management has left a significant footprint of adaptable properties, many of which are now being redeveloped for new commercial uses. Social media channels remain active, providing updates on legacy matters and leasing opportunities.