The World’s Last Remaining Blockbuster Video Store Turns Airbnb

Did you ever love going to Blockbuster so much that you wished you could sleep there? Please, hold your interruptions of “no” or “I remember the smell, so no” until we reveal that you can now get your wish …if you live in Deschutes County.

Bend, Oregon’s Blockbuster Video store is opening its doors to residents for three nights only in September for just $4 a night. The Blockbuster in Bend is the last one left lingering in our strange new streaming-centric world, and the decision to briefly turn it into an Airbnb for a spell was made by its manager, Sandi Harding, who’s worked there for sixteen years.

Harding started clocking in at Blockbuster back when there were thousands of the stores still around.

“I’ve seen the highs and lows of this business, but nothing can replace going to the store with loved ones to browse the shelves and find a movie that suits whatever mood you’re in,” she wrote in the store’s Airbnb listing. “We think of ourselves as a family, and that includes everyone from the global travelers who come to visit, to the lifelong friends and couples who first met as Blockbuster employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a test of our community unlike any other, so we decided to list this stay to keep this tradition alive during these uncertain times.”

A few lucky people in the area will be able to book from August 17th at 1pm PST. Harding’s Blockbuster will also make a donation to the Humane Society of Oregon in a bid to recognize the support they’ve received during the COVID-19 crisis, which she describes as a “test of our community unlike any other.”

The Bend Blockbuster will be adhering to Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol during its time spent as one, and they’ll provide face coverings, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer during a stay there. You can also eat and drink as much of their stock as you can handle.

“We’ve created the perfect space complete with a pull-out couch, bean bags and pillows for you to cozy up with ‘new releases’ from the ‘90s,” writes Harding. “Crack open a two-liter of Pepsi before locking into a video game, charting your future in a game of MASH, or watching movie after movie. But be wary of reciting ‘Bloody Mary’ in the staff bathroom off of the break room, as you just may summon the ghost rumored to haunt the store. And help yourself to some NERDS, Raisinets and popcorn (heavy on the butter), but make sure you save room for a couple slices.”

You can see what Harding and co. have done with the place to prepare for guests over at the official listing right here.

A stay at Blockbuster could be fun for anyone who’s nostalgic for the video rental chain, or even for people in the community who want to support the store during the pandemic, but if you’ve ever worked at Blockbuster, the idea of staying overnight in one will probably trigger nightmarish flashbacks and a full-body shudder. No. No, no, no …this is not for the likes of us.