Family Video Stores In Downers Grove Closing Amid Pandemic

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — In spite of the myriad technological discoveries that aid in renting movies, Family Video was able to carve a niche for itself and remain afloat even when Blockbuster could not. But as the pandemic destroyed the economy, the nationwide chain headquartered in Glenview decided to close 200 stores, including two in Downers Grove.

Located at 417 63rd St. and 5600 Belmont Rd., the Family Video stores will shutter by the end of October, according to a social media announcement from the company.

Found in 1978 by the Hoogland family, Family Video is the largest movie and game rental chain in the country, operating over 500 Family Video stores in 20 U.S. states and Canada.

The company will continue to have 300 of its stores open, including in the following communities in Illinois:

Belleville, Belvidere, Bloomington , Bourbonnais, Canton, Carbondale, Champaign, Chatham, Clinton, Creve, Coeur, Dixon, Galesburg, Harrisburg, Homewood, Jacksonville, Kankakee, Kewanee, Lincoln, Loves Park, Marion, Moline , Pekin, Peoria, Princeton, Quincy, Round Lake Heights, Salem, Springfield North, Sunnyland, Waterloo, Wood River and Zion.

For special clearance sales, check out the store.

Patch Editor Abhinanda Datta contributed to this article.