By Melissa Porcelli

Staff writer

The smaller video stores, C & M Video and Spotlight Video, said they are not yet affected by the larger chain, Family Video, coming into town for competition.

Even though Craig’s Video closed down in January, these other stores remain optimistic of the future.

Family Video is part of a large and growing cooperation across the state, and because of this, it can offer low prices. The movies at Family Video start at $2.50 for one to two nights, depending on the movie, and half price for the first 30 days people are members, said Jim Buturusis, manager of Family Video.

C & M Video plans to hold off on making any further changes to its business as far as prices or advertising, said C & M Video manager Tony Cox.

C & M Video charges $2.49 for rental of a new movie for one night and $1.99 for rental of an old movie for one night.

Spotlight Video also does not have plans to change policies, said Mary Ellen Emberton, owner of Spotlight Video.

Spotlight Video charges $3 for a new release for one night and $2 for an old movie.

Emberton said Family Video has not impacted her business too much, and she will not change her business because of it.

“I will not change advertising or prices because of Family Video,” Emberton said.

Buturusis said the competition is absolutely fair, and he is not sure why Criag’s video closed.

“The people of Charleston were the cause of Criag’s Video closing, not Family Video,” Buturusis said.

Family Video is just doing its job of keeping the people of Charleston happy, he said.