TURTLE BAY — Passing by New York Video on First Avenue in Turtle Bay on Tuesday, it appeared the same fate suffered by Blockbuster and countless other video stores had hit one of Manhattan’s few remaining independent movie rental outlets.
A large “for rent” sign hung in the window and tens of thousands of VHS tapes and DVDs were carried out as worried customers walked in off the street to find out if the store was ending its 24 year run of business.
But owner David Buffa isn’t closing, even though he can no longer afford the space along a sleepy stretch of First Avenue between East 53rd and East 52nd streets.
Instead of shutting down, he’s planning to move his business to another spot a little further north on First Avenue, one with more businesses and foot traffic.
“There are a lot of empty spaces in the neighborhood,” Buffa said, pointing out three vacant storefronts along the same block. “We really need to reinvent ourselves in a space that works.”
Buffa acknowledged that he is among the last of a dying breed, but New York Video has so far survived a mass cull that has made video stores a rarity now.
The store’s extensive movie library and his movie-buff employees consistently draw customers in, he said.
"We're film educated here," Buffa said.
Buffa has posted signs throughout the store telling customers that he may be gone for now, but not for good. Buffa said he has not yet chosen a new location for his store, and will remain closed throughout September at least. He hopes to reopen at some point this fall.
Still, Buffa’s assurances that the store will be back haven’t stopped nostalgic, long-term customers from mourning the loss.
Buffa said some customers have been taking video footage and photos of the store. Others have brought in cookies and wine for his crew while they packed.
“Everyone was upset we’re leaving,” Buffa said.
The store remained open throughout the packing process, with the selection limited to just new releases by the time the big move came on Tuesday.
Daniel Torrecilla, 32, was manning the register as several other employees packed and hauled shelves and videos.
Torrecilla has worked in the store off and on since 1999. After all these years, he said he knows most of the customers by name.
“It’s, you know, 'Cheers' for movies,” Torrecilla said with a smile.
For some customers, New York Video is part of their weekly routine. They stop by, chat about movies and get recommendations.
“We are sort of this cultural hub of the neighborhood," he said.
Torrecilla handpicks three movies every week for one customer, an elderly man who always calls with the same question: “What do you got for me?”
“I know his taste spot on,” Torrecilla said.
Store employees have been encouraging customers to sign up for the store’s weekly email list. Normally reserved for announcing new releases, Buffa said he is counting on that to keep people informed about where the store ends up next.
Anders E. Rodriguez, 29, was one of the last people to add his name to the list on Tuesday, just one day before the store was set to close its doors.
Rodriguez has been a customer for 12 years and said he was “a bit sad” to see them leave.
“They are the best option in terms of movie variety,” said Rodriguez, who lives in the neighborhood. “You don’t find it anywhere else.”
Rodriguez said he wasn’t sure what he would do to satisfy his movie rental needs while New York Video finds a new location.
“I have no idea,” he said. “I have to swallow the fact that they’re moving.”
