Save Video Wave: Round 2

Hello fans and supporters of Video Wave!

I have bad news to report. The landlord has suddenly and surprisingly made a demand for back COVID rent for the ENTIRE time since Covid began, despite a prior arrangement. Their lawyers sent me a letter today, 10/08/2022, and expect the store to start paying TWICE the monthly rent until the back rent is paid, effective immediately. This might mean that the business will have to close, as the store has had difficulty paying the current rent and all the bills under the current financial terms.

On the other hand, I am not giving up. I am attempting to come up with the funds necessary to stay open via GoFundMe and every other source I can think of. I am attempting to find an attorney to help due to a dispute between my understanding of the agreement and their understanding. Thus, this update.

For inquiries, please contact Colin at Video Wave at [phone redacted], or email him at [email redacted].

This is a small, locally owned independent video store in the heart of Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA, in business in the neighborhood since 1983! We provide access to over 100 years of movies on DVD, BLU-RAY (regular, 3D and 4KUHD), and VHS for rent or sale, as well as renting Playstation games. We sell movie treats such as popcorn, sodas, candy, gelato and ice cream, and Funko Mystery Mini collectible vinyl figures. Additionally, we now have a curated Graphic Novel collection for rental or purchase, an excellent addition and one that is growing weekly.

In 2015 our business re-located to a better storefront on 24th street due to a more than two fold rent increase at our old location. We shared the new space with another business, which made it an affordable opportunity. However, that business closed up shop in October 2016, when we initially started this GoFundMe campaign. The initial GoFundMe campaign was a success, and we were doing well and growing the business, with the new subscription business model until Covid-19 came.

Income has been down by at least one-third since Covid began and has not recovered yet. Now, demand for back rent that was thought to be forgiven and additional back rent that was thought to NOT be accruing.

The contributions we received in 2018 and 2019 have been a HUGE help. Sadly, we are still in need. Our recent change to how our rental plans work has been effective in increasing and levelling out our income (all of our rental accounts now pay a monthly membership subscription fee), but for now as we grow our subscriber base we are still falling short.

With your help, I believe that the store will be fine! Our community and neighbors have supported Video Wave for nearly 40 years, and I intend to remain here and continue to provide a well-curated selection, expertise and customer service to the entire Bay Area for years to come! I love this business and this community, and I would love nothing more than staying here and having the opportunity to match you with whatever you want (or need) to watch!

I know I am asking a lot, as the store has asked for (and thankfully received) help before. I couldn't have moved here in 2015 without the help of so many helpful customers, neighbors and members of the community! The store wouldn't be here now without the assistance of the initial GoFundMe campaign in September 2016, or the community fundraising event of 2019 with the LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO folks. I would be very thankful to be able to continue to provide service to the moving-picture loving community for years to come!

Thanks for your consideration and support!

Colin

Video Wave