Movies in Motion, owned by Jeff and Lynda Edenholm, has survived a crosstown move, a couple of recessions, the arrival of red boxes and red envelopes, and even the age of streaming entertainment, for 20 years and that has a lot to do with the kind of customer service you can only get from a mom-and-pop shop, Lynda said.
"We know all of our customers by name," Lynda said. "We don't even have cards."
Movies in Motion opened on Clinton Street Road and Seven Springs Road on May 31, 1996. They moved a little over eight years ago when R&D Outlet acquired the building for its own retail location. The Edenholms picked a small storefront at 511 E. Main St., Batavia.
Some people still like the physical CD, others don't have Internet access and there's no contracts or long-term commitments, and that has kept a core of customers loyal to the store, Lynda said.
The 24/7 dropbox helps, too.
Like any true entreprenuer in a competitive environment, the Edenholms have never been afraid to try new things. They've sold skateboard and video games, pizza and ice cream, and a year ago they started selling handcrafted wooden furniture and handpainted wooden signs. Both new sidelines have been a boost to the business, they said.
"There's no place else in town where you can get handpainted, custom signs," Lynda said.
Jeff builds all the furniture and the Edenholms are pleased with the progress that business venture is making.
Last March, Jeff and Lynda also celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.
"It's been hard," Lynda said. "When we get home, there's nothing to talk about because we've enjoyed each other all day, so we watch movies."
Jeff and Lynda have two adult children and a grandchild.
While the furniture and signs have been a great addition to the business, DVD rentals are still Movies in Motion's bread and butter.
Lynda said they enjoy providing family entertainment and serving the residents of Genesee County.
"We don't think of it as work, as a job," Lynda said. "We get to do what we love to do."
Movies in Motion is open from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays thru Thursdays, and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The Edenholms now take holidays off to spend more time with their grandchild. For more information, call (585) 343-0971.
