Sometimes, the end of an era feels like losing a piece of your own history. And this is exactly what many feel as they watch Cinema 1, a beloved fixture at Stone Road Mall for over thirty years, prepare to close its doors. But here's where it gets controversial—what does such a closure really mean for the community and the future of movie retail?
The final day for Cinema 1 will be January 28th, marking the conclusion of a longstanding chapter in local entertainment retail. Owner Alan McCrae is carrying more than just merchandise out the door; he's holding years of memories, stories, and community bonds that his business helped forge.
It's understandable that saying goodbye is hard—Cinema 1 has seemingly become part of the fabric of the mall, almost like a familiar piece of furniture that’s been there through generations. Reflecting on his journey, McCrae shares that he launched the store shortly after graduating from university—on a Civic long weekend in 1992, three decades ago—initially opening the flagship location during a time when DVD and Blu-ray movie collections were burgeoning. Over the years, the store has expanded to three locations within the mall, each filled with the latest releases alongside cult classics that fans collect and cherish.
His dedication was relentless; he often worked seven days a week, a hustle common among entrepreneurs at their start. McCrae recalls working every Saturday for three years straight—until a move out of his parents’ house prompted his first break. One memorable Saturday, when he was finally taking a day off, loyal customers Bob and Carol showed up, surprised not to find him there. When they learned he was moving, they brought flowers—a touching gesture that underscored the relationships McCrae has built, highlighting the personal connections that often flourish in small retail businesses.
Interestingly, his first employee initially aspired to a career in film industry roles. That individual found success, working with Warner Brothers in California and later at a special effects company in Vancouver. Over time, McCrae developed ongoing relationships with representatives from major studios like Warner Brothers and Universal, some of whom have been part of his journey longer than others, even as the industry has faced downsizing and shifts.
For McCrae, movies are more than just business—they’re a passion. His favorite genre? Westerns, likely nostalgic for the late-night Western marathons his father watched during his childhood. Among his all-time favorites is Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven (1992), a film that symbolizes his love for the genre. His ideal movie experience involves watching in full 4K resolution, in total darkness, with a bowl of buttered popcorn in hand, undistracted.
Now at 55, McCrae describes Cinema 1 as a significant part of his life, one that has shaped his identity. Though his company demands much of him, he finds joy in it, and it’s not just a job—it's who he is. He constantly thinks about ways to improve, how to better serve customers, and how to adapt to technological progressions—from VHS tapes to laser discs, Blu-ray, and ultra HD formats.
He considers the store’s longevity a remarkable achievement, especially given the volatile nature of retail and media sales. "Having a business last this long is a triumph in itself," McCrae notes.
Earlier this month, he announced the closure via social media, sparking an outpouring of nostalgia and well-wishes from the community. Comments reminisced about childhood memories, first movie purchases, and the impact the store had on their lives. Rob Ksiadz shared fond memories of buying a Super Nintendo game there in 1993, while others reflected on the store's early days in the VHS era.
McCrae expresses gratitude for being part of so many lives, recalling how conversations about the mall’s food court and VHS tapes remind him of his long-standing presence and influence. He admits that retail leases often involve multi-year commitments that don’t always align with his plans, but he's hopeful about future opportunities—possibly opening new stores if the right circumstances arise.
He emphasizes that his passion for films and customer service won’t fade—"I want to do this for as long as I can. Retirement isn’t really on my radar because I genuinely enjoy what I do," he says. He believes physical media will continue to have a dedicated audience as long as people care about the quality of how movies look and sound.
So, as Cinema 1 closes its doors, we’re left to wonder—does the end of such iconic stores mark the decline of physical media and brick-and-mortar movie retail, or does it signal a transformation into something new? And what do you think—are these closures a sign of changing times or a nostalgic loss we should fight to preserve? Share your thoughts and join the conversation.
