Digital streaming forces closure of Albany Mega Movies

Yesterday provided a significant moment of reflection for the owner of Albany’s last-standing movie store.

It marked the start of a month-long clearance sale at Albany Mega Movies — 24 years to the day after owner Brett Mosel took charge of the store.

The city’s last movie store announced via its Facebook page on Thursday that Sunday would be its last rental day.

The store will close for good on August 2, bringing to an end 29 years of business in Albany.

Mr Mosel said the rise of digital streaming and faster internet in Albany had unfortunately forced his decision to shut the doors.

“Technology has been catching up with us and the NBN has killed us,” he said.

“It has been a really good business, we have had a ball, but technology has caught up with us and it’s time to exit.”

Mr Mosel said while there had been some complaints about the store’s closure, most of his loyal customers understood the situation.

He said the store’s 28,859 titles would now be for sale.

“We don’t want to shut,” he said.

“We still get people coming in to rent even if they have Netflix.

“I apologise to all the good customers.”

In an interview with the Albany Advertiser in March, Mr Mosel said he was grateful for the unerring support of his regulars, with rental prices not changing since 2000.