A couple have said they have realised their “absolute dream” of converting an online bookshop into bricks and mortar on the high street.
Ally Fir, 31, and Matt Rawlings, 33, created The Mysterious Bookcase on TikTok in 2022 and began selling unidentified books to mystery shoppers.
Now three years on, they are opening a physical store in Westbourne Arcade, Bournemouth, selling romance, sci-fi, fantasy and thriller fiction.
Ms Fir, who is originally from Canada, said they were able to open their shop on Saturday thanks to support from 615 members of their online fan club who helped them raise nearly £32,000.