For over two decades, Koniks Movies has been a beloved fixture for families in Sigatoka, Fiji, providing access to favorite films through flickering screens and shelves stacked with DVDs. Since its establishment in 2004 by Gyanandra Chand and his wife, the couple has weathered numerous challenges in an increasingly digital landscape.
In reflecting on their journey, Mr. Chand recalls the difficulties they faced, particularly concerning rising rental costs that forced them to relocate. “We had no other option but to find a cheaper place,” he stated. During the height of the DVD era, the business thrived, leading to a time when personal care often took a backseat due to relentless customer demand. “Before, we hardly had time to have our lunch. We were so busy because people kept coming in,” he noted.
Throughout the years, Koniks Movies has consistently maintained an accessible pricing model, with single films priced at $3 and collection discs available for $5. At its peak, the store operated six duplicator machines, producing multiple copies of movies simultaneously to meet the needs of both locals and tourists. “The whole day, all our machines were running, people were lining up,” Mr. Chand recounted, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere during busier times.
The success of Koniks Movies allowed the Chand family to achieve significant personal milestones, including funding essential medical procedures that totaled around $40,000 and covering the first two years of their son’s medical education at Umanand Prasad School of Medicine before he secured a scholarship. Today, their son works as a doctor, while their daughter holds a position as an executive director in the hotel industry.
Despite the rise of online streaming services and platforms like YouTube impacting DVD sales, Mr. Chand has adapted the business model by diversifying product offerings. “The DVD business is going down, but that’s the reason we’re diversifying,” he stated, as the shop now stocks cosmetics, phone accessories, sunglasses, and toys, alongside jewelry from India and accessories from China. This diversification has enabled Koniks Movies to remain operational while many other DVD shops have closed their doors.
As they navigate these changing market conditions, Mr. Chand and his wife have no immediate plans for retirement. He mentioned, “As long as we are in good health, we’ll keep going because we need money for ourselves as well.” Their persistence and adaptability reflect a dedicated entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing the importance of resilience in the face of evolving consumer trends.
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