Kings Our Business - as of Feb. 9

Rentals renewed?

Few businesses would find opening in the middle of a fierce winter storm a good thing, but Megan Haliburton says weather was good luck for Cinematopia.

Snow days are good movie renting days, so the blizzard may have been a boost when the long-rumoured store quietly opened in the former Weave Shed on Main St. Jan. 29. Haliburton says word spread quickly, bringing a number of customers out - despite the weather.

The Wolfville movie buff also benefits from something few business owners do: keen volunteers. Many film fans disappointed in the venerable Light and Shadow’s decision to forsake rentals for movie sales last summer threw their support behind Haliburton: donating fixtures, services, films - even graphic design. “I worked at Light and Shadow,” she says, “and a lot of loyal customers didn’t want (rentals) to end. You wouldn’t believe how many people helped out. They just really want (the store) to happen.”

She may be bucking the trend in the age of movie downloads and cable TV, but trying to keep movie rentals alive isn’t “crazy” Haliburton says. The film buff and member of the Fundy Film board of directors has faith in local support for film. “I knew there was a market.”

A movie rental store is more than a place to grab entertainment: it provides a space for people to talk about film and share stories. Her stock offers fodder for diverse discussion. More than 1,200 DVDs and a number of VHS movies are already on shelves, from documentaries to children’s movies, new releases to classics, horror to musicals. Haliburton also has a number of past Fundy Film choices on the shelves.

Looking for viewing advice or trying to track down an obscure title? Drop into the store or call 697-3456.

Packing up framing biz

Annapolis Art, located under the Box of Delights bookstore on Wolfville’s Main Street, is packing up. The framing and art supply shop’s owners are moving to the U.S.

Towing takes over tires

In Greenwich, Robbie’s Towing and Auto Service has opened in the former Andy’s Tire building on the corner of Highway 1 and Deep Hollow Road.

Pick up the phone

In New Minas, Mainland Tel, a voice-over-internet telecommunications firm, has moved into the former Esther’s Quilt Shop location on Commercial Street, next to the Credit Union.

www.mainlandtel.ca

Keeping an eye out

Ophthalmologists Robert Scott and John Taiani’s Eye Care Centre’s new office is further west, just off Commercial Street on Kentucky Court.

Girls’ night out

One of the winter specials at Eau Spa in the Old Orchard Inn has a Sex in the City feel.

Make-up and Martini Nights warms up chilly Thursday evenings at the Greenwich spa. Call 542-4800 or see www.EauSpa.ca for more information.

Email jhoegg@kentvilleadvertiser.ca or tweet @jennhoegg with Kings County business news