Vidiots Video Rental Throws in the Towel on Santa Monica

​After three decades of operation in Santa Monica, the iconic Vidiots video store is moving on February 15 from its location at 302 Pico Boulevard, blocks from the beach. Spokesmen for the store say they are looking for a new location in Los Angeles and hope to reopen in 2018.

​The non-profit video store nearly closed in January 2015. But after its founders, Patty Polinger and Cathy Tauber, publicized the closing, Megan Ellison of Annapurna Pictures stepped in to save the business. Annapurna pictures will now finance the move from the store's Pico location.

​"Although leaving our home of over 30 years will be bittersweet, we are elated that Vidiots Foundation's next chapter will ensure the preservation and growth of our vast film collection," Polinger and Tauber said in a joint statement. The pair claim they plan to increase their library toward 50,000 titles.

​The spin put on the move by executive director Maggie Mackay is that a "more central location" will create "unlimited potential, so that Vidiots can re-launch as a fully functional, inclusive film space designed for everyone."

​It is not clear how the small storefront had not previously been "inclusive" or a space "designed for everyone," but apparently even retail in California is required to include politically correct verbiage as if they are running for office.