Prime Time Home Entertainment

Having worked in the premises for many years, Jen and Rach finally took over the running of the business five years ago whilst also expecting their first baby. During lockdowns, they kept everything going by doing drop-off deliveries and setting up a website. They’ll soon go mobile, too, with a new tuck box camper van which they can take to events.

Rach said: “We’re chuffed to bits we’re still here. There have been times when we could have got rid of the films but we really value the nostalgia of the family bonding experience of getting a takeaway, some sweets and choosing a movie together. It’s old school, but we’re passionate about our part in it.

“We’re significantly cheaper than renting films online, we have new releases and we can order in titles if people ask for them. We also have a kids’ club priced £5 per month with no long-term subscription needed, where you can rent as many DVDs as you want. We value keeping it affordable and accessible, and we get a lot of new footfall because we’re a UPS drop off point.

“Hedge End village centre works for us as we know the place so well and we know our customers – there’s an unbeatable community feel. We can’t go anywhere without being spotted or meeting someone we know. We went on a cruise ship holiday and even there right in the middle of the ocean someone spotted me and shouted, “it’s the DVD lady”!