Unveiling Video Ezy: Australia’s Forgotten Franchise Legacy
Video Ezy, an iconic name in Australia’s video rental landscape, began its journey in 1983. Founded by Kevin Slater in Hurstville, the franchise quickly gained popularity for offering VHS and Betamax rentals. By the mid-2000s, it boasted over 500 stores, becoming a significant player in the entertainment industry before facing decline.
Expansion and International Ventures
Video Ezy transformed into a franchise within a year of its inception and soon expanded beyond New South Wales. The first international store opened in Auckland, New Zealand, by the end of the 1980s. A major international growth phase began in the late 1990s when Video Ezy partnered with Berjaya Group.
- 1997: First expansion into Malaysia.
- 1999: Entered Thailand.
- 2001: Opened in Singapore.
At this peak, Video Ezy reported an annual turnover of approximately $250 million, operating 571 stores across four nations.
Challenges and Controversies
However, controversies soon emerged. In 2000, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) alleged that Video Ezy engaged in price exploitation ahead of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation. In a settlement, the company agreed to lower prices and compensate affected customers.
Adapting to Industry Changes
In 2004, the franchise introduced a subscription service named ‘DVD Unlimited,’ inspired by Netflix. This allowed customers to rent multiple movies without late fees, reflecting an attempt to innovate in a changing market.
Acquisition of Blockbuster
In 2007, Video Ezy made headlines by acquiring Blockbuster’s franchise business in Australia. However, with piracy and online streaming emerging as significant threats, the company faced profound challenges. Managing director Paul Uniacke expressed optimism about adapting to a digital future.
The Rise of Streaming Services
The launch of Netflix in Australia in March 2015 marked a pivotal shift in the industry. In just three months, Netflix gained over one million users, drastically altering the viewing habits of Australians. By early 2024, 67% of Australian adults were reportedly using streaming services.
The Decline of Video Ezy
While Video Ezy still had approximately 750 stores by the end of 2018, its relevance continued to diminish. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 exacerbated the situation, as cinema releases halted, leading to widespread closures of Video Ezy kiosks.
In March 2021, Video Ezy’s surviving stores ceased operations as their parent company, Evolve Entertainment, went into liquidation. The name Video Ezy was deregistered on January 30, 2024, signaling the end of an era for this beloved Australian franchise.
