Mr Movies closes store in Hudson
For movie lover Laurie Henn the closing of Hudson’s Mr. Movies is more than just a sign of the times. Henn opened the store nearly 20 years ago for then owner Kevin Vance. The day was May 16, 1991.By: Margaret Ontl, Hudson Star-Observer
- Beginning Feb. 23, everything at Hudson Mr. Movies is for sale.
- Laurie Henn, owner of Mr. Movies, with family dog, Bob
For movie lover Laurie Henn the closing of Hudson’s Mr. Movies is more than just a sign of the times.
Henn opened the store nearly 20 years ago for then owner Kevin Vance. The day was May 16, 1991. She remembers it well. Over the next two decades her role changed from manager to co-owner to owner. Henn took over full ownership five years ago.
Not only has she seen technology change from VHS to DVD to Blu-ray, she has enjoyed watching Hudson students, her employees, grow into adults, go off to college and come back to visit.
“The decision was made Feb. 1 to close the Hudson location,” said Henn. “Technology has changed more so in the last two or three years and people just are not interested in coming into a store. There are just a lot of options out there.”
At the peak, Henn estimates that Mr. Movies offered 10,000 to 12,000 different titles.
Games were one of the items that became bigger and bigger over the years.
Mr. Movies in Hudson has been at the same 4,800 square foot, location at 1920 Crestview Drive since it opened.
“It has been a good 20 years,” said Henn. “I’ve met a lot of good people.”
Over the years she has hired mostly college and Hudson High School students.
“One year I had the whole hockey line working here,” said Henn. “It has been fun to watch them all grow up.”
“The hardest part of closing will be missing the customers and the staff,” said Henn.
While technology has changed the industry, the studios have also changed their approach.
“Years ago if you bought the movie, the studios would send you the posters for free,” said Henn. “The last few years we have had to pay for them. The studios just don’t support the industry as a whole.”
While the industry has changed, Henn’s love of movies hasn’t.
“I have always been a big movie fan,” said Henn. “This was a good fit for me. I have watched almost every title I have ordered.”
All three of her children, Jeremy, Andy and Kailey have worked at the store.
“It is just amazing how it has affected them,” said Henn. Kailey has been sketching movie art which has been on display and for sale in recent years.
The final liquidation is this week, beginning yesterday and running through Sunday.
“It is on a first come, first serve basis,” said Henn. “Everything is for sale, fixtures, candy, popcorn and movies, of course. I am serious. I am trying to get rid of everything.
The hours for the liquidation are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon. to 6 p.m. The store will be open as long as there is something to sell.
The Mr. Movies, River Falls’ location at 120 S. Main Street will stay open.
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