Charles City downtown horror shop ready for Halloween

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

With Halloween drawing near, Nightmare Authentics is open for business as Main Street’s newest horror-themed shop.

“It’s shaping up pretty good,” said owner John Miller.

A passion project from the horror movie buff, and a way to move some of his own collection out of his house, Miller has spent the last couple of months preparing the shop with horror-themed merchandise, ranging from T-shirts and comics to collectible figures and masks of fan-favorite movie monsters.

“We’re just kind of playing around with some things, seeing what people like,” said Miller.

Part of the store’s business is collecting signatures from actors and writers of popular horror movies, which has led to some sporadic open hours as Miller travels across the country to conventions and signing opportunities.

Once the convention season calms down, the store will be open more regularly as Miller expands his inventory of novelty items, including horror-themed coffee and hot sauce.

In the meantime, Miller said he is enjoying bringing his love of horror movies to downtown.

“Spookwalk should be fun,” said Miller. “We’re looking forward to that.”