With Blockbuster Video being on the periphery of the nostalgic pop culture zeitgeist, I thought it would be interesting to revisit some of the old locations throughout Hamilton to see just how much things have changed since the company left Canada in 2011.
If you look closely while driving around the city, sometimes you can see small nods to the former movie and video game rental juggernaut such as some of the unique architecture and famous colours that often came with each Blockbuster store.
Anyone got a vivid Blockbuster memory?
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So, here’s a list of a few former Blockbuster locations in Hamilton and a short description of what they look like now.
77 James Street North
Entertainmentdeals.ca is very open to the opportunity that was presented to the music and video retailer after Blockbuster closed. In photos of the store, you can still see the Blockbuster blue and yellow along the walls as well as shelving and other nostalgic glimpses.
952 Fennell Ave East
You can still see remnants from Blockbuster as Dollarama has repurposed their sign that’s shaped like a movie ticket. The store was taken over by Dollarama soon after the Blockbuster closed.
847 Barton Street East
In photos online, it looks like the former Blockbuster building was transformed into lots of smaller businesses such as Samy’s Drug Mart, Country Style, and a walk-in clinic.
50 Dundurn Street South
Mr. Dumpling was next to this Blockbuster location when it was open and the Chinese restaurant is still next to the Easy Home: Lease To Own that took the movie rental store’s spot.
679 Upper James Street
This old Blockbuster location was converted into an LCBO as part of a new Smart Centre along with a Walmart and Shoppers Drug Mart.
685 Queenston Road
The building that was used Blockbuster was converted into a grocery store. The location on Queenston Road has become a Starsky Fine Food.
134 Highway 8, Stoney Creek
The Stoney Creek Blockbuster location appears to have been completely replaced by a brand new strip mall that includes an LCBO and Shoppers Drug Mart.
Do you have any memories of Blockbuster in Hamilton? Let us know in the comments!
Lead image courtesy of Google Maps
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