If we hit a bottom I can work with that."With customer numbers at Mr Rekhi's shop noticeably higher this year he frequently hears customers complain they are tired of streaming.Young people are often coming in to buy their first hard copy of a film or album."After COVID, streaming was going well, but then every streaming service gave birth to two or three more … [and] you still don't have everything," he said.Jarret Gahan, a long-time collector and cinephile, has a room full of beloved hard copies."I buy the films that I love," he said.He is seeing more people with that feeling, especially with a cherished film or TV show, as streaming services scrap back catalogues.Physical media can include bespoke features streaming does not.He opens an A5-sized box containing the children's fantasy film The NeverEnding Story from 1984."Inside you've got the press kit for the film, lobby cards, production notes, five discs, including three Blue-rays with every special feature.While big stores continue to limit their hard copy collections, Mr Gahan said small outlets were stocking unique physical copies and catering to a growing community of enthusiasts."Now we have all these boutique labels releasing stunning [hard copy] issues … curating newly created special feature content," he said.Mr Gahan has a garage and closets packed with DVDs and VHS cassettes ready to sell locally and globally, including VHS cassettes from long-closed rental chains"This morning I sold the 2002 parody movie Not Another Teen Movie on VHS Maybe it is just human nature."Mr Rekhi thinks the need to "own the experience" is key."There is something about putting on a CD or DVD that says, mentally, 'I am going to commit to this'."Streaming is convenient