In 1989, a new Blockbuster video store opened every 17 hours somewhere in the U.S., peaking at 9,000 location nationwide.
Today, despite rumors of Blockbuster’s total demise, there are still about 10 remaining—at least seven of which are in Alaska.
While business has indeed taken a hit in the Netflix and streaming age, owner Alan Payne tells The Washington Post, “If you went in there on a Friday night, you’d be shocked at the number of people.”
So why does Blockbuster thrive in Alaska? Namely because internet service is “substantially more expensive than in most states,” notes The Post, making streaming cost-prohibitive for some prospective viewers.