Movie Lovers Ordered to Close Tonight – Stock Up While You Can

Right now, Bozemanites are all looking for ways to stay safe, sane, and entertained while supporting local businesses.

But with the crisis in Gallatin County accelerating, dramatic measures taken by the government have severely impacted locally-owned and operated businesses in the area - and the customers who rely on their services.

Jill Joyce from Movie Lovers in Bozeman is facing a temporary shutdown of services due to the shelter-in-place order issued yesterday by Governor Steve Bullock.

"We voluntarily went to curbside pickup and delivery two weeks ago when the restaurant order went into effect and wanted to limit the community spread," Joyce said. "We have a lot of physical handling due to the unique nature of the business, but we've been sanitizing everything and keeping anything we give to customers clean and sanitary."

This morning, Joyce called county officials for guidance on the Governor's order and was told their services were deemed non-essential. Movie Lovers will be closing tonight at 7 PM pending any other determination from county officials.

With a tongue-in-cheek tone, Joyce said, "We believe we're essential with so many people at home with children right now. Daycares are closed, schools are closed, and internet services are going down due to the strain. We certainly want to comply [with county and state guidance], but we're offering a sanitary format and have been incredibly busy since the crisis. People are trying to entertain their kids while they're working and our internet services are stressed. I'd argue this is an essential service and necessary mental health supplicant right now."

Movie Lovers recently closed their Belgrade location. Hastings, another source for movie rentals in the area, closed in 2016.

The store is running a 10 movie rental deal for $20, with return dates set two weeks from today. That's right! You can rent 10 movies for $20! Call or text orders are available by contacting Movie Lovers at 406-586-0560. While the store technically closes at 7 PM tonight, Joyce said "we'll accommodate those who need movies as long as we can."