Support a spooky business this Halloween season by shopping local. There are so many cool horror and Halloween stores around the U.S. that have some unique items. Here are a few of my favorite spots to visit while traveling.
Located at 71 Main Street in Tonawanda, New York (my hometown), Black Sheep Market has all sorts of oddities and curiosities. The owner sources items from artists around the country with horror, macabre, or just general quirky themes. From art prints (including some by Michelle Prebich of Bat in Your Belfy – my favorite SoCal artist) to taxidermy mice to ghost story books, this shop has perfect gifts for that special spooky someone in your life.
Be sure to check the current hours, as they can change a bit during the year. Also, be sure to check their Facebook Page for special events and featured artists. Book signings and artist pop-ups happen pretty frequently.
This woman-owned business supports many causes in my local community and is a must-see when you visit the area!
Terror Trader, located at 941 W. Elliot Road, Suite 3 in Chandler, Arizona, has a great mix of horror merch, comics & magazines, and horror-themed art and jewelry from local artists. Every time I visit this store they have new displays and cool photo ops in addition to a wonderful selection of horror items.
They also host vendor markets, movie nights, special events, and more throughout the year. If you are a horror fan and in the Pheonix area, this is a must-see!
Check out their website and Facebook page for more information.
In the heart of the French Quarter, Boutique du Vampyre honors the spooky history and lore of New Orleans. Located at 709 Saint Ann Street in New Orleans, Louisiana, this shop specializes in vampire, ghost, and voodoo-themed items. You can find crafts, books, and curiosities from local artists and more. It is my favorite place to find unique items and souvenirs.
I haven’t been able to get out that way in a few years, but if they still sell their secret map, be sure to pick one up! It shows the best secret bars and ghostly spots for horror-lovers – and it supports small spooky businesses!
Learn more on their website and Facebook page.
Halloween Town is not just a store, it’s an experience! Located at 2921 W Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, California, this store carries costumes, decor, collectibles, books, toys, and more. The minute you walk inside the doors, you are transported to a haunted village where every day is Halloween. Every inch of the place has something to browse, and I can easily spend an hour in here looking through all their offerings.
Learn more on their website and Facebook page.
To make a full day of this shopping experience, continue down the street – this section of Magnolia Blvd. is known as “horror row” and features other spooky shops including the Horror Boo-dega with horror-themed snacks and the Mystic Museum – complete with seasonal horror immersive experiences.
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Welcome to my home of all things horror & Halloween! The Horror of Being Emily showcases resources, creative projects, small businesses, and more related to my weird and wonderful Halloween & horror obsession.
