When I was a kid, there was nowhere more magical than the bookstore (although the toy store was a close second). I have vivid memories of spending hours perusing the shelves at my local used bookshop, credit ticket for my trade-in books clutched in my sweaty hand. I think the first new bookstore I ever went to was at the mall, so it was probably Walden or maybe B. Dalton. It was a long time before I discovered Barnes & Noble and Borders (RIP).
Whether we’re talking about mega stores or hole-in-the-wall bookshops, I’ve adored every one. There’s just something about being surrounded by books and people who love books, you know? And the smell! It sucks that Amazon’s trying to kill that experience (and they’re doing a damn good job of it).
Thankfully, bookstores aren’t dead, and they’re making a surprising comeback (check our previous post if you want the stats). They’re also coming in more forms than ever before (partly due to necessity and partly to get books to readers in new ways).
While owning a brick-and-mortar bookstore is still the gold standard, commercial space costs a damn ton of money (a 1,200-square-foot space in my area is $2,500 per month, which translates to $30,000 per year just in rent). What’s an aspiring bookseller to do?
Enter Mobile Bookstores
Search for “mobile bookstore” on TikTok, and you’ll be surprised by the sheer number of them. They come in all shapes and forms: kei trucks, converted vans, buses, trailers, and more. They also run the gamut from general bookstores to specializations like romantasy.
Why mobile, though? Well, other than not having to shell out $30,000+ a year in rent (which is all it costs to start some shops), mobile stores have some pretty fucking good benefits:
- Go where your customers are, including “book deserts”
- You’re not tied to a lease or a specific geographic location
- Easy to do collabs/events with other businesses
- The novelty factor is a big attraction for potential buyers
- Lower cost of entry than a brick-and-mortar location
- No one can raise your rent (although event permits can be expensive)
- Create community spaces wherever they go
That’s not to say that they’re without potential drawbacks.
- Your inventory is limited
- You have to find places to sell
- The truck/trailer will cost you something
- You need commercial auto insurance
- There’s a lot of legwork involved in connecting with other business owners
Still, for all that, mobile bookstores are just as magical (and can be just as successful) as any brick-and-mortar.
Where Does Strangleroot Fit In?
Strangleroot Books & Games is (going to be) a mobile, horror-specific book and game store. Horror’s not as popular as romantasy, but it’s one of the fastest-growing genres in the industry. US sales jumped over 24% in 2023, and Circana shows it up another 13% in 2025, right alongside psychological thrillers and dark fantasy.
The plan is pretty simple: buy and outfit a 16-foot trailer, stock it with killer books, work with local business owners to create events and collaborations, and find ways to bring books to the people who will love them. We’ll also be dedicating 25% of our inventory to small press and indie authors and showcasing local authors.
Of course, we can’t do this alone. Getting Strangleroot up and running will take a community effort. Here’s how you can help Strangleroot get on the road:
- Donate to our GoFundMe! Donate Now
- Subscribe to us so you can keep up to date with things.
- Share us with the folks you know on and off Substack.
Stay tuned for more updates as we move toward opening our doors (and stocking your books on our shelves!).
Thanks,
Walt
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