Even in a good economy it's tough to operate a small business. I can't imagine how hard it has been for business owners in the current economy. You might want to add more services to your existing business and try to stay alive. Some added services you could add are a delivery service, online services, or something completely outside the box. This article shows what some video rental stores have done to keep their doors open.

Video-rental stores are increasingly becoming a thing of the past, thanks to online services like Netflix and Hulu. But a stalwart bunch of mom-and-pop video shops are managing to keep the lights on.


Everett Collection A recent article in the WSJ’s Greater New York section profiles three still operating in the Big Apple — Alan’s Alley, Video Café and Get Reel. They’ve employed several survival tactics, such as adding items like frozen yogurt, pre-paid phones and music to supplement sales. Raising prices wasn’t mentioned, a move Netlfix has recently come under fire for doing.

Like the video-rental business, the ranks of many other merchant categories have diminished in recent years due to the advent of new technologies and changes in consumer behavior. It’s rare for us these days to shop at record outlets, pick titles off of book-store shelves, order meats from butcher shops or book trips through travel agencies.

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