AN ANDOVER couple are opening a horror-movie themed shop in Andover next week after being inspired by a family holiday in America.

Stuart and Amy Baldwin, from Viking Way, wanted to bring something new to their hometown, and were struck with the idea for Afterlife Bootique during a holiday in Florida earlier this year with their daughter, 11 and son, five. 

Amy, 39, was looking for something which would allow her to start working again, while being there for her family, and also make a positive contribution to the town. 

Stuart, 42, said: “My wife is a bit of a horror buff, and she found a shop she was in love with. She was in there all the time and spent a lot of money there!”

He continued: “We are born and bred in Andover and we have seen the town getting worse and worse. There aren't a lot of decent shops, so we thought it would be a good idea to open something like that.”

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The shop will be run by Amy and co-owned by Stuart, with two other family members working in the store once it opens in the High Street, near Black Swan Yard, on Monday (August 22).

It will sell a large variety of horror movie themed crafts, gifts, merchandise and collectors items, ranging from bath bombs, to jewelery, clothing and much more. The couple have found suppliers from near and far, including some Andover based artists, as well as firms in Sweden and America. 

Stuart, who runs his own building company, said: “It’s not really my thing, but I was really surprised by the amount of stuff you can get! It’s not massive, but it’s called a boutique because, pretty much every week, the stock is going to be completely different depending on what has come in.”

While they hope there will be something to appeal to all ages and tastes, from the mildly curious to die-hard fans of the genre, the new business is especially aimed at bringing something for Andover’s young people.

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“My daughter is telling all her friends about it!” said Stuart. 

“Ever since we have come back and told friends and family what we are going to do, we’ve had a great response. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but it’s something a little bit different.

“Going forwards, we are going to try and do some bits and pieces in the community, especially around Halloween.”

The pair have invested in “funky, spooky decor” to give the space a makeover, and even found some historic pieces to give the shop a Victorian feel, including a till that’s more than 100 years old. 

“Hopefully, it will be quite refreshing for Andover.”

You can find Afterlife Bootique at afterlifebootique.com or @afterlifebootique on Instagram.