Employees at two video shops were met with sad new year news after both closed their doors after more than three decades of operation. 

The Madmel’s and Video Plus shops were both owned by a family that has been serving Samoa for the past 30 plus years.

Both shops officially closed their doors permanently on the first day of the new year. 

Video Plus had been located at Lotopa; when the Samoa Observer visited the shop on Saturday it's shelves were completely empty.

One of the family members, Tasha Moors, announced the end of the era on social media. 

“And after 30 [plus] years we say goodbye to our video shops,” she said.

“Thank you to our amazing customers for your love and support throughout the years.

“[We are] still selling DVDs for $2 at Madmel’s, so please come buy them [because] I'm now unemployed.”

Three of the businesses’ employees were made redundant following their closure. 

“I highly recommend [three] amazing, honest, reliable and hardworking ladies who are available to work,” Ms. Moors said.

Another member of the family described the situation as a bittersweet beginning to 2021.

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to seek comments from the owners of both shops were unsuccessful.

But overwhelmingly the online announcement about the two shops’ closure was met by past customers reminiscing about the role the stores had played in their childhoods. 

One customer, Eiko Fuimaono, said: “So many family memories and great family bonding time thanks to Mad Mels, thank you and your family for years of providing a great service.”

An overseas Samoan resident, Lita Sagato also commented: “I have memories of going there when I would visit Samoa in my youth. Good luck on your future ventures.”