Fast expanding video library

Press, 26 July 1986, Page 13

Fast expanding video library

Video viewing has become one of the most popular pastimes for New Zealanders, judging by the number of video machines being bought through home entertainment specialists, Noel Leeming’s. Eight hundred to 1000 video machines are sold each month by Noel Leeming’s, with every buyer automatically becoming a member of the Noel Leeming Video Library. The library has 50,000 members, with up 1000 new members joining every month. Noel Leeming’s are embarking on a video library expansion programme in Christchurch suburbs, to provide better, more convenient service.

The first suburban video library opens today in Stanmore Road, the tenth in the Noel Leeming Video Library chain. The other libraries are in Rangiora, Blenheim, Nelson, Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru and Dunedin.

The new library has 2000 titles in stock, with new releases coming in every week. All interests and age groups are catered for, from children through to adults. The titles are interchangeable with the city outlet’s stock of 4000, giving library members possibly the best selection of video movies in the South Island.

Three special guests have been invited to today’s opening. They are “Star Wars” characters Darth Vader, Yoda and a Tuscin Raider. Darth Vader will officially open the video library at 11 a.m. and the three characters will be there until 1 p.m. to meet the public. Noel’s Photo World will be taking photographs of youngsters with the visitors. These souvenir photographs will be available as 12cm x 7cm glossy colour prints which can be collected from Noel’s Photo World in Linwood City from next Tuesday. They are priced at $3 each.

The new video library is offering some opening specials for the first two weeks. Free membership, worth $25, will be given to anyone, no matter where they bought their video. All members signed up during the two weeks will be in the draw for one month’s free hire. This entitles them to a free video movie every day for a month. There will be three draws for this prize. Services offered by the libraries include a telephone booking service so movies can be booked in advance. Several copies of the popular titles are available to avoid disappointment.

After every 10th hire, members get the 11th free of charge. A concession voucher gives 10 hires for $45, saving up to $l5.

Monthly specials, exclusive to library members, such as fashion watches and children’s novelties, are also part of membership service.

A popular feature of Noel Leeming’s Video Libraries is the snack bar where members may buy potato chips, chocolate bars and other confectionery- for “half-time” between movies.

The manager of the new outlet is Alan Baird, who has been with Noel Leeming’s city library for a year, on the 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. shift. His enthusiasm for the video hire service and his popularity with customers has earned him promotion to manager of the new library. He will be assisted by Diane Bryan and Dave Young. Noel Leeming’s Video Library has been in operation since 1982. The manager of the city outlet in Colombo Street, the largest video library in New Zealand, is Janelie Pelvin.

It is open seven days a week from Monday to Friday, 8.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.