Spirit of Blockbuster

A RETRO film fanatic aiming to “bring back the spirit of Blockbuster” to Eastwood has opened a new shop celebrating the joy of mid twentieth century physical media.

Gavin Elliot, who has opened Retro Rewinders shop in Rayleigh Road, is prompting the vintage joys of VHS and vinyl, to “rewind the good times.”

As well as operating like the popular rental store, with a hand-picked selection of films, Mr Elliot is also stocking the shop with his personal collection and old films unavailable on streaming services.

Taping into the need for in-person interaction, and the embodied affordances of old media, Mr Elliot hopes the store to be somewhere customers can come in an “ask for recommendations.”

He explained: “we have a lounge space and I want people to feel they can come in and ask a movie guru for something.”

Retro Rewinders also offers a social gaming hub, with playtime offered on a range of consoles.  Studies as far back as 2009 proved that loneliness can be both the cause and the effect of internet gaming, and the store’s social features are promoting a sociable gaming culture.

“In the future, this place will be a social hub, with board games and hopefully even movie nights on a projector,” Mr Elliot added.

“I want this store to be for the community and I believe I can persuade people of the community aspect and get them away from ordering online and back onto the High Street.”

Coun Paul Collins, Lib Dem councillor for Eastwood and Lib Dem leader, recently cited the new premises to congratulate Mr Elliot on his new venture.

Picture: Gavin Elliott and local councillor visit. Pic Pau Collins

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