Have you noticed that there hasn’t been a video rental store in La Grande for some time? People have only had the choice of Netflix, or selecting from Kiosks for both Red Box and Blockbuster. Jason and Megan Pellerin saw this problem and were determined to do something about it, and as of May 2011, they opened The Peanut Gallery, a family owned DVD rental store.
Pellerin’s first came to Eastern Oregon University Small Business Development Center, (EOU SBDC), and shared their idea of filling the need for a Video Rental Store. As their business plan was being created, both were advised to research the idea further in order to make sure there is a need for this business. They were asked if people were given a choice, which would they prefer, a rental store or on-line services? They both were firm about this and stated: “The majority of people we know prefer retail stores rather than the internet,” stated Jason Pellerin.

It was stressed by their advisor, at the SBDC, to do further research regarding the interest in this business. Therefore the suggestion was made to conduct a blind survey at Eastern Oregon University. With more than 100 adult students surveyed, it was found that 89% were more favorable to using a Video Rental store rather than on-line services. Therefore they moved forward and were successful in opening this business. Jason and Megan stated, “We couldn’t have done this without the SBDC, as their knowledge, support, as well as being easy to work, with was greatly appreciated.”

The Peanut Gallery is located at 1406 Jefferson Street in La Grande. Their hours are: Monday–Thursday 2:00-10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 12:00 p.m. to Midnight, and then closed on Sunday. Stop by and browse through their selection of DVD’s. You will be warmly greeted and if you can’t find what you are looking for, it can be ordered. The movies are reasonably priced at $2/day for all general movies and $1/day for special interest, with no late fees!

“We couldn’t have done this without the SBDC, as their knowledge, support, as well as being easy to work, with was greatly appreciated”

—JASON AND MEGAN PELLERIN
THE PEANUT GALLERY
LA GRANDE

About The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network

The Oregon Small Business Development Center Network (OSBDCN) is a partnership of the Small Business Administration, the Oregon Economic Development Department and Oregon community colleges and universities. Nineteen Small Business Development Centers around the state provide free business development consulting to Oregon small businesses, as well as training and referrals to other resources and services. To locate the SBDC nearest you, visit http://www.BizCenter.org, or contact OSBDCN at (541) 463-5250.