Every small town in Canada has a hidden gem among its retailers.
In Maidstone, that’s Video Junction.
If you name it, chances are the long-time family owned and operated electronic and appliance store has it on a shelf – including movie and video game rentals.
Yes, you read that right.
In 1981, the business branched out and got on board with the craze of the day. Thirty-eight years later – after the shuttering of Blockbuster and rise of Netflix – patrons still grace the doors of Video Junction, eager to peruse the latest titles.
Even after the fall of Blockbuster and rise of Netflix, Video Junction continues to carry move and video game rentals.
“There are people who come in from Lashburn or even Lloydminster to rent movies,” Manager Arlinda Foley said. “Many people on farms still need to rent movies because their internet is not top notch.”
Beyond that, large and small appliances, like KitchenAid mixers, cell phones, mobile device accessories and miscellaneous other electronics line the walls of the quaint shop in Maidstone. The staff, who enjoy finding the solution you are looking for, can assist with SaskTel mobility and Shaw satellite services.
You name it, chances are Video Junction in Maidstone carries it.
“People always come in and say, ‘Wow. You have a lot of stuff,” Foley said. “I respond with, ‘Yes. I may have a bit of an ordering problem’,” she added with a laugh.
While Video Junction has operated from its location since the 1980s, prior to that, Foley’s parents, Terry and Sandy Gregson, operated from their shop on the farm. Foley took over in 2004 after attending school to study business management.
The family runs a long line of entrepreneurs, with Foley’s grandfather selling radio and television products and her uncle Keith operating the Dollar Store with More in the Co-op Mall.
Growing up, Terry and Sandy’s four daughters all worked in the store, a tradition still followed today, with Foley’s son and nephew helping sell.
“It has been nice to keep it in the family,” she said, stressing that since its inception, the store has maintained a premise of only carrying top-of-the-line products that always have been and always will be trusted brand names.
Being a family owned and operated merchandiser brings a litany of perks, such as an ability to cater to customers needs and build tight relationships with each client who walks through the door.
“I hope each customer leaves my store satisfied and I try to keep that bond with my customers really close,” she said.
Cell phones, mobile device accessories and miscellaneous other electronics line the walls of the quaint shop in Maidstone.
While Video Junction does not deliver or offer financing, Foley says if you are willing to show up with a truck and some cash, a great deal with employees who pride themselves on a customer driven experience, bringing small town charm to a big city store feel, lies in store.
Alongside this, giving back to the community remains key for Foley.
Video Junction has been a proud supporter of the Maidstone arena board, minor hockey and curling club, the Standard Hill Lakers, Maidstone minor ball and figure skating and the Lashburn Sportsplex.
Video Junction is located at 206 Main St. They can be found online at videojunction.ca, on Facebook or contacted at 306-893-4664.
