It’s the end of an era for Singleton. After more than 30 years of business Civic Video officially closed its doors and said goodbye to their beloved spot on John Street on Monday February 3.
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Owners Graeme and Margret Daniel farewelled their loyal customers and staff after many years in the movie hire business. The Daniel’s first began business in 1983 with their shop ‘Heights Video’ at the Singleton Heights shopping centre. One year later, they opened a second store in what was then known as the Gowrie Street Mall. Five years later they relocated to 95 John Street as ‘Civic Video’, the first Civic branded store in Australia.
When Civic Video first began the business was booming. Firstly renting VCRs, the Daniel’s then saw the introduction of DVDs, followed by Blu Ray and then eventually began to see the entertainment industry slowly moving to online platforms.
The closure of the business marks the end of movie hire in Singleton and as Graeme says, “it’s a sign of the changing times”. Its closure, of course, comes as modern technology continues to change the way we view entertainment. With platforms like Netflix and iView allowing viewers to watch programs at anytime, anywhere with the click of button, the days of movie hire seem to be fading into the background.
But it’s ending doesn’t overshadow the great success Civic Video had in its many years of business.
‘Like many other businesses, the best part was always our customers and the people we got to know,” Graeme says.
“It was nice to be able to suggest movies to people and become familiar with them.”
Coincidentally, the Singleton Civic store premise was officially sold on February 14, the exact date the store had its official opening some 30 years ago.
Now sold, the premise will be split into three store spaces. The Evidence Board Co will be relocating to the main street shop front, while Pure Essence Skin, Body and Tanning will be moved to the back premise.
The middle store space is currently vacant and those interested in the space can contact owner, Michelle at Evidence Board Co. Michelle hopes to see the Singleton community continue to support their local business after its relocation. The building will undergo major renovations and will be looking to open in mid-May of this year.