Best-selling items at Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., have that extra touch of scary that’s just right for the only book and gift store in the United States dedicated exclusively to horror. Books and DVDs are hot-ticket items, Owner Del Howison told TDmonthly Magazine, as are collectible action figures, cards and products imprinted with the store’s own logo. To read more about Howison’s business, see Retailer Spotlight: Dark Delicacies.
Created By by GAUNTLET INC.
In this novel by Richard Christian Matheson, young television writer Alan White creates a winning TV pilot, “The Mercenary,” that scores unbelievably high ratings. But when the show’s terror starts playing out in real life, White must figure out how to cancel it before the destruction goes any further. — “Horror books and DVDs [are best sellers] as they make up at least 50 percent of our stock and it is much easier to line up signings for these,” Owner Del Howison of Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., told TDmonthly.
One of five dolls in the Living Dead Series 15 collection, Gypsy is a deceased doll that comes packaged in a coffin with a death certificate. — “Living Dead Dolls have been a consistent favorite, especially since they did one based on a popular horror film,” Owner Del Howison of Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., said of this best-selling line in his store.
In this edition, Emily the Strange journeys through the “herstory” of rock. She plays piano with her teeth and lights her guitar on fire. — “Emily items from toys, books and apparel work great all the time. It is really great if you can work your own in-store cross promotions by companies that have similar items in different places, like clothes, toys, umbrellas, knick-knacks, etc.,” Owner Del Howison of Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., told TDmonthly in December 2007.
Creature from the Black Lagoon by SIDESHOW COLLECTIBLES
This 1:4 scale figurine, a humanoid amphibian from the Amazon jungle, has webbed fingers and is licensed from Universal Studios. — “Even though it sells for a few hundred dollars, you can bet I'll be carrying it,” said Del Howison, owner of Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., in December 2007. “Action figures are great and move quickly when they tie in with a current film or television success. The classic monsters (based on Universal films) do well for me also.”
The Addams Family – The Complete Series by MGM HOME ENTERTAINMENT
This set includes the entire television series “The Addams Family” — a total of 1,638 minutes of viewing on nine discs. Launch date: November 13, 2007. — “Horror books and DVDs [are best sellers] as they make up at least 50 percent of our stock and it is much easier to line up signings for these,” Owner Del Howison of Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., told TDmonthly.
“Dead Man Wokking” Halloween Card by NOBLEWORKS INC.
On the inside, this card reads “Wok the wok and have fun this Halloween!” — “Greeting cards are also a nice tie-in touch,” Owner Del Howison of Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., told TDmonthly when speaking about his best-selling products. “I carry Pomegranate, Trained Eye Graphics, NobleWorks and as many from independent artists as I can.
This long-sleeved hoodie displays the Dark Delicacies logo on a black background. It is available in sizes M to 5XL. — “Customers love to purchase things they don't believe they'll find other places. That, to them, is the beauty of a small independent store. Don't stock your store with items they can find at the malls or big stores,” Owner Del Howison of Dark Delicacies in Burbank, Calif., told TDmonthly when discussing his best sellers. “I carry a limited edition of an art print designed and signed by horror icon Clive Barker. I carry cards and jewelry that are exclusive to us. But most of all, I carry T-shirts and bumper stickers with the Dark Delicacies logo and lettering that is not only unique to us but, again, helps spread the name when folks buy them.”
Writer's Bio: Brenda Ruggiero is a freelance writer from western Maryland. Read more articles by this author
