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Beltinge Video in Herne Bay to close after reaching “inevitable end”

Herne Bay’s last-surviving video shop is to close after managers reached the “inevitable end”.

Beltinge Video, in Reculver Road, was taken over by father-of-three Giles Hando in 1992.

But the 43-year-old has now decided to shut up shop after struggling to make money in recent years.

Giles Hando - pictured with his daughter Isabella - is closing his Beltinge Video store. Picture: Joe Wright
Giles Hando - pictured with his daughter Isabella - is closing his Beltinge Video store. Picture: Joe Wright

Mr Hando, who lives in Broad Oak, said: “It is the end for us now unfortunately.

“It has been on the cards for a while, but it was finally decided in August that we will shut.

“It is down to the change in the way people watch films – it has become more and more about online.”

Mr Hando, who grew up in Beltinge, took over the store after leaving sixth-form.

He now hopes to switch to full-time property investment, with his shop set to become a florist in the coming weeks.

“It was inevitable really..." - Giles Hando

Mr Hando added: “Unfortunately there are just not enough customers around for the store.

“I am appreciative of all the customers that have been coming over the years – and especially the ones who have continued to come over the last couple of years when others have gone down the digital route.”

Mr Hando, whose shop is still open, is selling all of his stock.

He has priced his DVDs at £1.50 each or 10 can be bought for £12.

Mr Hando added: “It is a shame but I definitely stretched it as far as possible – for the last year I have been doing it as a hobby.

“It is a bit sad, but it is not all bad news because I will have more time now to spend with my family.

“It was inevitable really.”

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