In  a time where big movie stores are closing shop, Maple Ridge is embracing the newly opened Little Shop Of Movies.   I chit chatted to Jim Barr via email about his blockbuster reception.

My Maple Ridge:  Are you a movie buff?
Jim: I think I have seen millions of movies in my lifetime. I would consider myself a human Rolodex for movies of all genres and eras.

My Maple Ridge:  What’s your inspiration for opening Little Shop Of Movies?
Jim: When I was a little boy, I never saw my mother (single parent) much do her working 3 jobs to support us. When we got to spent time together it was a treat, she would take me to the local neighborhood video store and it was like going to heaven. They had a great selection of movies that I could lose myself in and travel to different places or galaxies. The smell of popcorn invaded my nostrils as soon as I entered the store. Was some of the best times in my life. Choosing a film her and I could enjoy was so much fun! Flash forward to today, I have a personal movie collection well over 3000+ movies, and do I miss the days where video stores made you feel welcome and appreciated as a customer in the community. My wife & I opened the shop on Feb 1st knowing that so many other people in our area would love to share in that same family experience and providing home entertainment to everyone around is such a rewarding prize in itself.

My Maple Ridge: What’s the reception been to your opening?
Jim:  Absolutely amazing. Each person walking in has a look on their face like I did when I was a kid. We have already signed up our 600th account in just 2 months time.
Fabulous to have this store, isn’t it? Little Shop of Movies is a member and active participant in all the Downtown Maple Ridge BIA events, and have been regular prize contributors to local events including The Horrorshow at Hollywood 3 cinemas.   Catch live bands monthly in the shop (Yes! In the shop, how cool is that!), and Jim’s working on hosting a local block party in June.  The store has fresh popcorn daily from their vintage popcorn machine and the giant gumball machine is a  hit with kids.  Besides renting movies to the public, Little Shop Of Movies also services local correctional and seniors centers and offer prize packs for local charities and non-profits doing fundraising.

Little Shop of Movies is destined to become a hub in our community. I asked Jim what he loves about Maple Ridge and this is what he had to say:

Maple Ridge is where we live, my family is a part of this wonderful community. We love driving to the local store and seeing the gorgeous snow covered peaks of the mountains. We love going camping and being outside with nature.People here are so perfect at hospitality, kindness and a sense of sharing. I have lived coast to coast in Canada, and this city by far is the one we are proud to call home!

Thanks Jim for bringing us an old school movie store and giving great things back to Maple Ridge!

Make sure you stop in and say hi to  Jim and the staff, and keep an eye out for the store on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

227 Dewdney Trunk Rd
Maple Ridge
604-477-1383