Interest in horror literature is on the rise, leading to an increase in genre-specific bookstores across the U.S. Horror book sales surged to 5.1 million in 2022, up from 3.2 million in 2021, as reported by BookScan. This trend mirrors a broader expansion of independent bookstores; over 600 new shops opened in the U.S. in 2025, an 87% increase from the previous year, according to the American Booksellers Association.
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Independent bookstores offer personalized recommendations and niche events, providing them with a competitive advantage over larger chains, particularly when curating specialized genres like horror. Additionally, romance-focused bookstores are thriving, especially in small towns and rural areas, often serving as community hubs.
Chicago has emerged as a significant market for readers, with Placer.ai reporting an approximately 11% increase in bookstore visits this year compared to the last. The city also hosted its largest independent bookstore crawl in August. Other cities, including Philadelphia, Houston, and Phoenix, have also seen a rise in foot traffic at bookstores.