Calgary’s Nocturne Books Opens, Sparking Horror Bookstore Trend

UPDATE: Calgary’s first horror-themed bookstore, Nocturne Books, has officially opened its doors, igniting excitement among horror enthusiasts and book lovers alike. Co-owner Scott Ross-Molyneux was overwhelmed by the response on opening day, stating, “I haven’t had a chance to read at all. I’ve just been doing transactions and chatting with people.”

Located in Marda Loop, Nocturne Books launched earlier this month with Ross-Molyneux and his wife, Allison Iriye, at the helm. Iriye, a self-proclaimed horror fanatic, inspired the couple to dive into this niche market despite initial doubts about the viability of independent bookstores. “Then over the year, my wife proceeded to bring home so many books that I realized, yeah, we can make this work,” he noted.

Nocturne Books joins a growing movement of specialized bookstores across Canada, including Little Ghosts in Toronto and Raven’s End Books in Winnipeg, which cater exclusively to specific genres. This trend highlights a resurgence in the independent bookstore sector, which many had written off due to the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon.

According to Laura Carter, executive director of the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association, the independent bookselling industry remains “thriving and very healthy.” The recent surge in sales is attributed to the “buy Canadian” movement and a growing preference for physical books over digital alternatives. The association boasts over 200 independent retailers among its members, with more opening their doors each month.

The rise of genre-specific bookstores allows readers to immerse themselves in communities of like-minded individuals, providing a unique shopping experience. “If you go into a regular bookstore, you might see a shelf of horror books or a small section of the store devoted to romance,” Carter explained. “But this is a chance to go into a store with like-minded people and see what you love in much greater numbers.”

The success of Nocturne Books follows a similar path to Slow Burn Books, Canada’s first brick-and-mortar romance bookstore, opened by Nicola MacNaughton in 2023. MacNaughton reported consistent traffic even amidst local construction challenges, prompting her to relocate to a larger space just down the street.

Reflecting on the allure of romance novels, MacNaughton stated, “In times like these, when life is a little challenging, it’s nice to have an escape and know that the ending of a book is going to have that happily ever after.” This sentiment resonates deeply with readers seeking comfort in literature during uncertain times.

Community engagement is another significant factor driving customers to independent bookstores. Paula Russel, a lifelong horror lover, expressed her support for Nocturne Books, emphasizing the importance of shared spaces for individuals with similar interests. “Honestly, it’s just nice to have kind of shared spaces with people with similar interests,” Russel said.

Despite his earlier hesitations, Ross-Molyneux is now confident in the market for specialty bookstores. “In a world saturated with digital products and subscriptions, it’s really calming in a way… to just go in, purchase a physical item, and take it home,” he remarked.

The opening of Nocturne Books marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of independent bookstores. As more niche shops emerge, the landscape of reading continues to shift, proving that the love for physical books remains strong.

Stay tuned for further updates as the community rallies around its new local bookstore, celebrating the return of independent retail in the literary world.