Stokes Croft's new 'Haunted Bookshop' unveils opening date and new store front

The Haunted Bookshop will open in the former home of Shambarber in Stokes Croft
-Credit: (Image: Monika Killer)


Bristol's brand new bookshop, which is set to sell a range of witchy themed books and other products, has announced its opening date - and it's only a matter of weeks away. The Haunted Bookshop, which is located in a former barbers in Stoke's Croft, is the brainchild of 30-year-old Monika Killer, who told BristolLive plans for the shop space back in July.

Monika, who moved to the UK from Lithuania when she was 19 years old, has been working hard all summer to renovate the space and get it ready to welcome customers through its doors in time for the spooky season. She's been sharing updates with fans on social media, showcasing the range of books, occult products, and things she'll be selling.

She's also shared regular updates on the fitting of the shop, including the interior design, the painted shopfront, new signage - and she even unveiled the new ghost logo of the store. After asking for suggestions from her soon-to-be loyal customers, and locals in the area, for names for the ghost character, she's announced he's to be called 'Crofty', in honour of the shop's location.

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Monika has also today announced (fittingly on Friday the 13th) that her shop will officially open in two weeks' time, on Friday, September 27. She said: "We may not have those pumpkin spiced lattes just yet, but our selection of horror, fantasy, occult and witchcraft books, alongside some extraordinary magical items from UK sellers will not disappoint.

"More information will follow over the next few days and I will organise a pre-opening party, as well as the grand opening, and another volunteering session, so watch this space."

Back in July, Monika told BristolLive: "Being originally from one of the Baltic countries, that's probably where a lot of my interest in witchcraft and paganism comes from... As many people approaching their 30s do, I had a moment where I asked myself what my dream job would be. I've been talking to my friends about this 'haunted bookshop' idea for a while but never really thought about it seriously. So, I thought, why not? I'll try getting a business loan and see what happens.

"Stokes Croft is such an artistic, colourful and inspiring place. It's so near Cabot Circus, but it has an entirely different feel to it. You have all these amazing bars, restaurants, venues, and shops, as well as a lovely sense of community. Many people have said it's the perfect spot for a witchy bookshop or that they've thought that's exactly what Stokes Croft has been missing!

"I keep having to pinch myself. Opening a bookshop is a dream for many, and I'm so fortunate to be able to do it. I have incredible friends who have been supporting me in any way they can. We're all renovating the shop together. They've built the shelves, stripped paint, scrubbed floors - you name it!

"I've had fantastic support from the witch community, too! It's so empowering - I have a whole community behind me. It's not just for me anymore; it's for them too. Starting a new business is incredibly stressful, so I am trying to take everything one step at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed."

Monika said that she planned to open the shop in three stages, with upstairs consisting of a bookshop and gift shop, while work downstairs continued, then she will start selling coffees in 'stage two' with the aim of creating a place that offers pumpkin spice lattes all year round.

You can find The Haunted Bookshop at number 43 Stokes Croft, BS1 3PY.