Good news for movie fans: Family Video, a quickly-emerging video rental chain in the Midwest, has now staked its claim in Ames. Since its opening May 16, Family Video has tried to make its mark by providing good customer service and a wide selection.

“Our customer service is basically what brings everybody back in,” says Justin Bryant, manager of Family Video, adding that a good first impression can be vital in creating and keeping loyal customers. “It shows to the customers that we are willing to go the extra step.”

At Family Video, 3407 Lincoln Way, a new release can be rented for one night at $2.50 on DVD or VHS. Family Video also offers the option of one, two or five night rentals at various prices.

By comparison, Hastings, 620 Lincoln Way, rents new releases on DVD for $3.69 for five nights, and offers a dollar credit if returned the next night. Hollywood Video, 637 Lincoln Way, rents new releases on DVD for $3.99 for five nights.

Family Video rewards customers for signing up for an account. Upon doing so, everything in the store is half price for the first thirty days.

With all of its promising offers, Family Video has its work cut out for them if they want to compete in Ames’ video rental market.

“Hastings has a huge selection,” says Alicia Holder, 19, who is currently in the process of moving to Ames from Minnesota.

“I really don’t know much about the video places in town,” says Holder, who has visited all three of Ames’ video stores since coming here. “But Hastings is convenient. It has everything from books to video games; you can do all your Christmas shopping right here.”

“When the college students come back [from summer vacation], we should have a big rush of new people,” says Bryant, adding that the store’s key location near campus is also a big advantage.

Bryant says that rentals and accounts have steadily increased since the store’s opening, and feels confident about the store’s future.