St. Michael and Albertville Movie Lovers Can 'Pik' Their Flick

No one will deny the movie rental experience has changed faster than the seasons here in Minnesota. 

Gone are the days of Blockbuster or Mr. Movies, with the exception of a grocery store rental spot like Coborn's.

Here to stay are new ideas like Redbox, with spots at Marketplace and Walgreens. 

Now, a local mom has hopped into the fray, bringing a new option of movie rentals here to the St. Michael and Albertville market. 

Pik Ur Flik has teamed up with D's Family Pizza and fellow businesses in the Albertville strip mall off Wright County 19. 

"It's not something I ever really dreamed of doing," said Jennifer Sullivan Wagner, a Central Minnesota native and graduate of Minnesota State University-Moorhead, who now calls Elk River home. "But it's been a business I got involved in early, and it's been fun to watch it really grow." 

Wagner operates Pik Ur Flik outlets in Elk River, Champlain and now Albertville, with more to come...including her hometown of Benson. 

The concept is similar to that of Redbox–walk to the machine, swipe a card and get the movie you want off the menu. 

But, P-U-F offers many more options. For example, you can preview movies at several of the boxes. Also, you can check for the latest releasesa and movie availability online. 

Plus, it has a local tie, which is important. 

"I think people do like to do business with someone they know," Wanger said. "I'm there often, checking on machines and visiting with the businesses that are helpful enough to host the machines." 

Wanger teamed with D's on the recommendation of the property owner, who saw the movie rental spot as a good resource. The kiosk is located inside the entryway between D's and Finken Water, and is open even when those businesses are closed. 

"Eventually, we want a television inside D's that will screen some of the new releases," Wagner said. "It'd be beneficial for both businesses." 

D's will even deliver its pizza and a Pik-Ur-Flik selection to the front door. 

"You can't get that anywhere that I know of," Wanger said. 

For more, check out the Pik Ur Flik outside of D's Family Pizza, or visit them on Facebook.