After more than four decades in business, Rida Video Centre will be closing its doors on 30 April. The well known video rental shop is located at Coronation Shopping Plaza along Bukit Timah Road. The announcement was made on its Facebook page on 21 February, where the shop informed customers about its final day of operations.
Refunds for Unused Rental Credits
Customers who still have unused prepaid rental credits can get a refund. The shop stated that refunds can be made through cash or PayNow, but they must be collected in person before 30 April. This is because customers are required to sign on their rental cards to acknowledge the remaining credit balance.
For those who prefer something memorable, they may choose to exchange their unused credits for physical DVDs or Blu-ray discs instead. These can be kept as keepsakes or added to their personal collections. The shop also shared that all enquiries should be made through WhatsApp at 91866273.
In its message to customers, the shop wrote, “Thank you very much for all your support and loyalty over the years. We truly appreciate it.”
A Throwback to the 1980s and 1990s
Founded in 1985, Rida Video Centre first operated at the Serene Centre. It later moved to Coronation Shopping Plaza after facing a rent increase. Over the years, it became one of Singapore’s last remaining video rental stores.
The shop brings back memories of the 1980s and 1990s, when customers rented VHS tapes, laser discs and VCDs before online streaming became common. As technology changed, the store adapted by offering DVDs and Blu-ray discs, filling its shelves with thousands of titles.
The friendly owner, Madam Laurel Khoo, is known for her strong knowledge of films and often helped customers find what they were looking for. The shop also kept thousands of physical rental cards for its members, staying true to its old school style.
Although the recent post did not explain the reason for closure, Madam Khoo previously told The Straits Times in a 2020 interview that online streaming services had affected business. She had also shared that she would let the shop go when sales drop to “zero”.
Rida Video Centre is located at 587 Bukit Timah Road, #02 17 Coronation Shopping Plaza, Singapore 269707. It opens from 9.30am to 8.30pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday. The nearest MRT stations are Botanic Gardens and Tan Kah Kee.
