New horror bookstore Thrillerdelphia opens in Manayunk just in time for Halloween.

A new addition to Philadelphia’s literary landscape has emerged just in time for the Halloween season. Thrillerdelphia, a specialized bookstore dedicated to horror literature, has officially opened its doors on Main Street in Manayunk. This establishment, which soft-opened on Friday, features a curated selection of psychological thrillers, slasher novels, and supernatural suspense, catering to both avid readers and those intrigued by the genre.

Marketed as the first horror-specific bookstore in Philadelphia, Thrillerdelphia joins Cupid’s, a local bookstore known for its focus on romantic literature. Both shops are the creations of Anthony and Tina Long, residents of Manayunk who are passionate about their contrasting literary interests. The new venture marks the second niche bookstore the couple has introduced within a mere two-tenths of a mile, showcasing a deliberate strategy to create specialized reading spaces within the community.

The debut of Thrillerdelphia aligns with a national trend suggesting a renaissance in bookstores, attributed to factors including increased community engagement and social media visibility. Experts have noted that the post-pandemic landscape has fostered a renewed interest in physical bookstores as communal spaces, a sentiment echoed by the Longs.

Tina Long noted that her husband’s vision for Thrillerdelphia diverges significantly from that of Cupid’s, creating a distinctly immersive atmosphere that she describes as cave-like. The transformation of the 700-square-foot space, previously home to a teeth-whitening studio, involved multiple coats of black paint to achieve the desired aesthetic. This intentional design invites visitors to experience a unique ambiance reflective of the horror genre’s themes.

Furthermore, the Longs are confident in the viability of two genre-specific bookstores operating within the same neighborhood, suggesting that there is a substantial appetite for horror literature among local readers. Many patrons of Cupid’s have expressed interest in Thrillerdelphia, indicating that there is overlap in customer base and genre interest.

In addition to its extensive book collection, Thrillerdelphia plans to host various book clubs, including one focused on queer-horror literature. The shop will also offer merchandise such as stickers and Kindle accessories, positioning itself to cater to a diverse range of readers, whether they prefer print or digital formats.

Thrillerdelphia aims to not only serve as a retail space but also as a community hub, where book lovers can gather to celebrate literature and share a collective passion for storytelling. Operating hours are set for noon to 8 p.m. from Friday to Sunday, and 2 to 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Thursday, with Mondays reserved for “plotting,” according to the store’s website.

As bookstores continue to evolve, Thrillerdelphia exemplifies a modern approach to bookselling, prioritizing community engagement and genre-specific offerings that resonate with the current literary climate.