Ghost hunters queue for five hours for the reopening of York’s spook superstore
One of the first queues to form in York on reopening day was outside The York Ghost Merchants.
A group of hardy spook-seekers were eagerly awaiting the first day back for the Shambles shop – and a special limited edition release.
A huge hit since it opened in October 2019, York Ghost Merchants makes and sells ghosts in every different colour.
It was due to open at 10am this morning. Graham from Grimsby was first in the queue – at 5am!
“We wanted to be here for the opening,” he told YorkMix. “We wanted to get here early.
“It’s fantastic and it couldn’t be in a better place. My son collects them, and we started collecting them because he collects them.
They were also picking up some ghosts that were specially commissioned for Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.
‘I absolutely adore them’
Sarah, from Birstall, has a shopping list to buy ghosts for lots of friends as well as herself. “They’re just cute,” she said.
She was going to get “as many as I can” today.
Luca is from Norfolk and is here on a work trip – but he’s going in late today so he could stop off at the Ghost Merchants.
“I absolutely adore them, they’re super cute. I’ve got about 15 or so – I’ll probably double that today!”
Kelda is from Wiltshire. She is staying in Whitby but is here for the reopening. “I’m here to say hello and get some ghosts, because they’ve really helped me during lockdown – it’s like trauma recovery as well.”
Danielle travelled up to Derby “with my other half who’s here under duress”. She was here for the release of the Penny Dreadful ghosts, which they’d already spied through the shop window.
So what is it about York Ghosts she likes so much? “They’re intriguing, they’re unique.
“It’s been good during lockdown. It’s been a bit of a focus, looking forward to the Friday releases.
“The ghost merchants are really nice guys as well – and it’s good to support a small business.”
And that’s what today’s all about of course.