The Haunted Bookshop Seeks £20,000 to Prevent Closure in Bristol

After two years of operation in Bristol, the shop has found itself unable to keep pace with essential bills. Owner Monika Killer noted that the combination of systemic cost-of-living pressures and a recent heatwave—which reduced the number of people visiting the store—made the financial burden impossible to manage alone.

The £20,000 Fundraising Goal

• Total Target: £20,000
• Current Progress: Over £7,500 raised
• Community Support: More than 450 supporters have pledged funds

Monika Killer’s Vision for the Occult Community

Beyond selling books, the shop serves as a specialized hub for those interested in witchcraft and the occult. Killer established the space specifically for anyone who has ever felt a little different, positioning the business as a social sanctuary as much as a retail outlet.

This community-centric model extends to the local economy.

Customer and Staff Reactions to Potential Closure

Leigh-Ann Charlotte, who transitioned from a loyal customer to a tarot reader at the shop, highlighted the value of the space for those interested in anything different, like witchcraft.

For regulars like Sarina Maloy, the shop’s disappearance would be more than a loss of a retail service; she stated that it would be a severe loss if the shop shuts down. Another regular, Mia Gailey, described the establishment as a second home for those who do not fit in elsewhere, noting that the space provided some of her greatest friendships and experiences.

Killer herself views the social bonds formed within the shop as the most rewarding aspect of the venture. She described the act of watching these connections form as the greatest privilege of running this shop and expressed a desire to see the community continue to thrive.