Books / Bookshops
Soaring costs threaten future of much-loved bookshop
A bookshop specialising in fantasy, horror and the occult has been left fearing the worst amid soaring overheads and lean months of trading.
The Haunted Bookshop, founded in September 2024, has become a popular destination for fans and those curious about witchcraft, horror, the occult, fantasy and New Age spirituality.
The former barber’s shop in Stokes Croft was given a new lease of life as a bookshop and quickly built up a keen following, enjoying a purple patch for several months after opening.
Even the spring months, typically leaner for the genre, continued to generate revenue.
The Haunted Bookshop, founded in September 2024, has become a popular destination for fans and those curious about witchcraft, horror, the occult, fantasy and New Age spirituality
However, trading dropped sharply as the year progressed. Despite reaching peak seasonal interest around Halloween and the Winter Solstice, the shop has seen a fall in takings of as much as 50 per cent.
Founded by the Lithuanian-born Monika Killer, the shop was conceived as more than just a retail space.
Alongside book sales, it hosts three monthly book clubs, attracting both newcomers and seasoned seekers.
The bookshop also features works of Bristol artists and creatives
Monika spoke about the mental and physical toll of dwindling trade combined with rising costs.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, she said: “Over the past year we’ve been doing a lot of new things, and over Christmas and into January we took the time to pause and rethink our approach.”
However, she remains upbeat, pointing to wider trends such as reduced Christmas spending and changing consumer habits.
As the first frosts of January set in, Monika began exploring ways to diversify the space and boost income, including renting shelf space to local artists and creatives.
She added: “That period is meant for reflection and planning rather than working flat out, so we focused on what we want to do next.
“One of the changes we’re introducing is allowing people to rent shelf space in the shop. This will give local creators and small businesses the opportunity to showcase their work, while also helping us generate income through shelf rental and commission.
“It’s a way of supporting the local creative community while making the business more sustainable.”
The Haunted Bookshop was founded by Monika Killer in September 2024
She acknowledged that some loyal customers have commented on the lack of new stock, but explained that restocking is dependent on current trading. “You can’t have one without the other,” she said.
Despite the challenges, the shop remains a cornucopia of delights, offering books and ephemera relating to a wide spectrum of subjects, including witchcraft, spells, the occult and feminine wisdom.
It also showcases and sells work by local artists and creatives, providing them with access to a like-minded audience.
One such artist is Elaine Robinson, who has more than three decades of experience under her belt and sells themed postcards and greetings cards through the shop.
She described The Haunted Bookshop as a “great independent space”.
“Monika is such a wonderful person who clearly loves what she’s doing. I hope business picks up for her in the coming weeks,” said Robinson.
Tarot reader and art magick practitioner Francesca Way described the space as “welcoming and inclusive”
Down in the basement, tarot reader and art magick practitioner Francesca Way described the space as “welcoming and inclusive”.
She said it offered a place for people to explore alternative themes, calling it a haven for the “weird and wonderful”.
Francesca, who pays a percentage of her takings to use the space, described The Haunted Bookshop as somewhere for those seeking “a bookshop with a difference”.
She added: “The shop is a hub for strange, weird and wonderful people to do what they’re really good at — even if it’s something completely obscure. It feels like a warm, welcoming home for all of that. It helps bring out the weird in the community and gives people a place to connect around it.”
The former barbershop in Stokes Croft received a new lease of life under the vision of Monika Killer
Monika also praised the support she has received from fellow traders in the area, saying it has helped her stay positive as she looks to the future with a renewed vigour.
All photos: Milan Perera
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