Montreal’s Mystery DVD Man: A Thriving Offline Business in the Streaming Age
Mysterious posters plastered across Montreal lampposts and street signs have captivated the city. Scrawled in bold marker, they simply read: “I choose eBay” and “The DVD pro.” Behind this enigmatic campaign is Jean-François Hall, a man defying the digital tide with a surprisingly prosperous offline DVD business.
Hall, who self-describes as a “dinosaur” in the age of streaming, claims to have sold over 50,000 DVDs in the last three years. His unconventional marketing strategy, however, is far from prehistoric.The cryptic posters, while unconventional, have generated significant buzz and piqued public curiosity.
“I choose eBay,” he says, explaining his simple yet effective sales strategy. “It’s a direct connection to the customer.”
His success speaks volumes about the enduring appeal of physical media. While streaming services dominate the entertainment landscape, a segment of the population still cherishes the tangible experience of owning DVDs. This preference isn’t limited to older generations; manny younger consumers appreciate the lack of subscription fees and the ability to build a personal collection.
Hall’s story resonates with a growing counter-trend in the U.S. as well. Many Americans are expressing concerns about rising streaming costs and the ever-expanding number of subscription services needed to access diverse content. this has lead to a renewed interest in used media and alternative purchasing methods, mirroring Hall’s success in Montreal.
While the specifics of Hall’s operation remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, his success underscores the resilience of offline commerce and the enduring appeal of physical media in a digitally saturated world. His story serves as a compelling case study in unconventional marketing and the power of connecting directly with consumers in a unique and memorable way.
The “DVD pro” isn’t just selling DVDs; he’s selling an experience, a connection to a simpler time, and a tangible piece of entertainment in a world increasingly dominated by ephemeral digital streams. His success is a testament to the enduring power of human connection and the unexpected ways businesses can thrive in a constantly evolving market.
Published December 19,2024,by Maura Forrest,The Canadian Press.
The Unexpected Boom in DVD Sales: A Montreal Man’s Story
In a world dominated by streaming services, one Montreal entrepreneur is proving that the humble DVD still holds its own. While digital downloads and on-demand viewing reign supreme, a dedicated community of collectors and movie enthusiasts continues to embrace the tangible experience of physical media. This unexpected resurgence is fueled by nostalgia and a desire for offline entertainment, creating a thriving niche market.
Meet Mr. Hall, a 42-year-old entrepreneur who has carved out a unique business selling dvds online. His journey began unexpectedly three years ago when a neighbor’s discarded DVD collection sparked an idea. “I don’t think DVDs are going to disappear,” Mr. Hall shared in a recent interview. “I think, on the contrary, that they will be like vinyl records, they will come back a little stronger. Because people will fall into a nostalgia mode where they will realize that the films they knew are not available anywhere.”
From humble beginnings, Mr. Hall transformed himself into a DVD guru, leveraging conventional marketing strategies to build an online clientele. His operation is based out of a surprisingly compact Montreal basement apartment, where approximately 7,000 DVDs fill every available space. The collection is a fascinating mix of familiar titles and rare finds, ranging from popular TV series like Friends and Lost to classic holiday films such as Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street.
While most DVDs sell for a few dollars, rare items can fetch significantly higher prices. During the interview, Mr. Hall showcased an unopened copy of the 2011 Quebecois film, The Run, a movie about a drug smuggling operation, which he estimated to be worth around $80. This highlights the potential value of rare and collectible DVDs within this niche market.
Mr. Hall’s entrepreneurial journey began with a chance encounter. He initially sold approximately 1,500 DVDs from his neighbor’s discarded collection on Facebook Marketplace.After recovering from surgery and taking a break from his film production technician job in Quebec, he expanded his business, sourcing DVDs in bulk from pawn shops, thrift stores, and individuals looking to offload their own collections.
His story underscores a growing trend: the enduring appeal of physical media in the digital age.While streaming offers convenience, the tangible nature of DVDs, coupled with the thrill of discovering rare titles, continues to resonate with a dedicated community of collectors. Mr. Hall’s success is a testament to the power of identifying and capitalizing on niche markets, even in the face of seemingly overwhelming technological advancements.
The DVD Renaissance: One man’s Thriving Business in a Digital Age
In an era dominated by streaming services and digital downloads, the DVD might seem like a relic of the past. But for Jean-François Hall, it’s a thriving business. Hall has amassed a collection of approximately 7,000 DVDs, transforming his home into a bustling hub for physical media enthusiasts.
The sheer volume of DVDs is extraordinary. Boxes overflow from the front room and line the hallway, a testament to Hall’s dedication to this niche market. His journey began on Marketplace, but he’s as transitioned to eBay, where he now fulfills orders from across Canada. With his sights set on expansion, Hall hopes to tap into the U.S. market soon.
“It’s very, very profitable,” he said, although he declined to give figures. “I wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t worth it.”
While hall remains tight-lipped about the specifics of his financial success, his enthusiasm speaks volumes. His venture demonstrates that even in the face of technological advancements, there’s still a demand for physical media, offering a tangible connection to film and television that streaming services can’t replicate. As Hall prepares to expand his business south of the border, it will be fascinating to see how his unique approach resonates with American audiences.
the Unexpected Resurgence of DVDs in the Streaming Era
In a world dominated by streaming services, the humble DVD is making a surprising comeback. While many predicted its demise, sales figures tell a different story, revealing a niche market that’s defying the digital tide.
According to the Digital Entertainment Group, a leading American industry association, physical media sales in the US reached 451 million units in the first half of 2024, a slight decrease from 580 million in the same period last year. This, despite major players like Netflix ending their DVD services in 2023 and Best Buy ceasing DVD and Blu-ray sales. This unexpected resilience begs the question: why are people still buying DVDs?
One collector and DVD enthusiast, Mr. Hall, offers some insight. “Before, there were video rental stores,” he explains. “But it doesn’t exist anymore, so they have no choice but to buy them.” Mr. Hall, who proudly wears a shirt proclaiming “DVDs must not disappear,” maintains a personal collection of 200 to 300 DVDs, along with a few VHS tapes. He also continues to subscribe to cable television.
Mr. Hall notes that his clientele is diverse.”Some of my clients are collectors who want to leave a cinematic legacy for their children,” he says. “Others are looking for specific titles – perhaps favorites from their childhood – that they can’t find on streaming platforms.” This highlights a key factor driving DVD sales: the irreplaceable nature of physical ownership.
The Allure of Nostalgia and Tangible ownership
The resurgence of DVD sales isn’t just about convenience; it’s about nostalgia and the tangible experience of owning a physical copy. “I like having them,” Mr. Hall shares. “I like having 50 films in front of me and being able to choose.” This sentiment resonates with many consumers who value the tactile experience and the sense of permanence that physical media provides, a stark contrast to the ephemeral nature of streaming services.
The unexpected persistence of DVD sales in the face of digital dominance underscores a deeper consumer desire for ownership and a connection to the past. While streaming offers convenience, the DVD market demonstrates that the appeal of physical media, with its tangible presence and nostalgic charm, remains surprisingly strong in the modern entertainment landscape.
The Unexpected Resurgence of DVDs: A Nostalgic Niche Market?
In the age of streaming, the humble DVD might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, a surprising trend is emerging: DVD sales are experiencing a quiet resurgence, fueled by a passionate community of collectors and a growing gratitude for tangible media.
PHOTO GRAHAM HUGHES, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Handwritten ads, a testament to low-budget ingenuity, helped one Montreal DVD seller gain notoriety.
one such seller, operating a small-scale business in Montreal, exemplifies this unexpected trend. His marketing strategy? Handwritten advertisements, crafted in blue and black ink on the backs of discarded election campaign signs – a cost-effective approach that has garnered him significant local attention. “Its ads, written in blue and black ink on the backs of old election campaign signs, were designed as a cheap way to attract attention,” a source noted.
This resurgence isn’t isolated. A thriving online community of DVD enthusiasts provides a steady customer base. Reddit, such as, boasts a DVD collector community exceeding 400,000 members, a dramatic increase from under 50,000 in early 2020.
“I think a lot of people have a nostalgic connection with a viewing experience linked to a type of media,” explains Éric Falardeau, a cinema lecturer at Laval University, offering insight into the phenomenon’s appeal.
The DVD revival isn’t unique. The resurgence of vinyl records, retro gaming, and even audio cassettes demonstrates a broader trend of consumers rediscovering older technologies. Though, the future of DVDs remains uncertain.
Katharina Niemeyer, a professor at the University of Quebec in Montreal’s School of Media, offers a more cautious outlook. She points to the tactile experience of vinyl as a key factor in its comeback, suggesting DVDs may lack the same analog appeal. “I don’t think there will be a big comeback,” she asserts.
Despite the uncertainty, the low-budget, almost charming approach of the Montreal DVD seller highlights the enduring appeal of physical media in a digital world. His unique marketing and the passionate community he serves suggest that even in the face of streaming dominance, the DVD might yet carve out a niche for itself.
The Unexpected Market for Collectible [Item Type – Replace with Specific Item]
In a world of mass-produced goods,a surprising market thrives: the niche world of collectible [Item Type – Replace with Specific Item]. While these items may not appeal to the average consumer, a dedicated group of enthusiasts fuels a steady demand, defying conventional market trends.
One collector,who wishes to remain anonymous,embodies this unwavering passion. “That the majority of people don’t want it, that doesn’t matter to me,” he stated. “There will always be people who want to buy them.”
This sentiment highlights the unique psychology behind collecting. For many, the value extends beyond monetary worth; it’s about the history, the rarity, and the personal connection to a specific piece. This intrinsic value drives a market that operates independently of broader consumer trends.
The market for collectible [Item Type – Replace with Specific Item] is a testament to the power of niche communities and the enduring appeal of unique items. While the general public may not understand the allure, the dedicated collectors who drive this market prove that demand can exist even in the most unexpected corners.
The continued success of this niche market also speaks to the broader trend of alternative investments. As traditional markets fluctuate, some investors are turning to unique collectibles as a way to diversify their portfolios and potentially secure long-term value. The rarity and limited supply of these items contribute to their perceived investment potential.
Experts predict that the market for [Item Type – Replace with Specific Item] will continue to grow,driven by both passionate collectors and shrewd investors. The future looks luminous for those who appreciate the unique appeal of these often-overlooked treasures.
[Optional: Add a call to action,such as a link to a related article or a forum for collectors.]
