House of Monsters Celebrated Three-Year Anniversary
The San Antonio horror-themed shop marked its milestone on Woodlawn Avenue this October.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Local Shops
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House of Monsters, a specialty retailer located at 517 E. Woodlawn Ave., has reached its three-year anniversary at its physical storefront. The shop specializes in horror movie memorabilia, including VHS tapes, DVDs, and apparel.
Why it matters
The milestone marks the successful transition of a business that began at conventions and wrestling shows into a permanent fixture of the local San Antonio retail scene. Its continued operation highlights a niche but dedicated market for horror-themed collectibles and independent merchandise in the area.
The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday to accommodate a sales schedule that peaks between late August and Halloween. Its inventory includes graphic tees, costume masks, and signed action figures designed by co-owner Chris Ott.
The players
Courtney Johnston
Courtney Johnston is a co-owner of the horror-themed novelty shop House of Monsters.
Chris Ott
Chris Ott is a co-owner of House of Monsters and the primary designer for much of the merchandise sold in the store.
The details
Located on the St. Mary's Strip, the store serves as a physical hub for horror enthusiasts after originating as a traveling operation in 2009. The shop maintains a curated selection of genre-specific goods that reflects the aesthetic vision of owners Courtney Johnston and Chris Ott.
Timeline
The business began operating at conventions and wrestling shows in 2009.
The physical storefront opened in October 2023.
The shop celebrated its three-year anniversary in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition from convention-based sales to a permanent brick-and-mortar presence reflects a broader shift among niche retailers toward stabilizing their footprint within local urban districts. By securing a physical location, businesses can move beyond the transient event cycle to build a dedicated neighborhood customer base.
Shoppers can visit the storefront on Woodlawn Avenue during its regular Wednesday through Sunday hours to browse current horror memorabilia. The business remains a notable destination for collectors seeking items designed by local creators.
The takeaway
Maintaining a niche retail business requires a steady transition from event-based revenue to a loyal local customer base. Residents interested in independent retail can support local shops by visiting them outside of peak holiday seasons to ensure long-term viability.
Further reading
For more information on the regional retail climate, visit the Local Shops section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MySA.
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