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A darkly themed independent bookstore and gathering space is preparing to replace Dominion Camera at 112 W. Broad St. in downtown Falls Church.
A cryptic poster placed in the former camera shop’s windows revealed the incoming tenant as The Dark, Unbound, though it did not provide an opening date or explain the business. Dominion Camera closed after operating for 56 years.
The Dark, Unbound’s website and social media accounts describe a cozy, atmospheric shop offering curated books, unusual merchandise and community events. It is expected to become Falls Church City’s only independent bookstore; nearby One More Page is located across the Arlington border at 2200 Westmoreland St.
Owners Annette and Margaret, whose last names were not provided, characterize the business as a feminist and queer fantasy bookstore, a miscellanea shop and a venue for metaphysical and educational programming.
Their planned book selection will emphasize underrepresented writers in fantasy, science fiction, speculative fiction and horror. That includes works by women, Black and Indigenous Americans, queer authors and international writers.
The owners say their longtime interest in those genres was frustrated by a lack of variety among published authors. Although self-publishing and independent presses have broadened the field, they believe a carefully cultivated bookstore can make those voices easier for readers to discover.
The shop plans to carry new and used titles without strictly separating adult and young-adult books, reflecting the broad audiences attracted to fantastical fiction. Dedicated offerings will include underrepresented voices and metaphysical subjects.
A community lending library is also planned for visitors who cannot afford to buy books.
Beyond reading material, The Dark, Unbound intends to stock vintage and new artwork, décor, journals, antique bookends, candles and metaphysical supplies. Merchandise will be available at multiple prices to make browsing and buying accessible to more customers.
A Store Designed for Visitors to Stay
The owners envision the West Broad Street storefront as more than a retail shop. Tea, coffee, comfortable seating and work areas are planned during daytime hours, giving customers room to read, work, meet friends or play games.
Evening programming is expected to include author talks, book clubs, meditation, chakra and tantra sessions, breath and energy work, qigong, sound baths, Latihan and drum circles.
Annette and Margaret say the larger goal is to build an inclusive community around reading, learning, imagination and open-minded conversation. They see in-person gathering as an increasingly valuable counterweight to life spent online.
Their plans have included cushioned sofas, colorful floor pillows and tables for games or work. The shop is intended to welcome readers, gamers, crafters, spiritualists and others looking for a comfortable community space.
From Pop-Ups to a Permanent Storefront
The Dark, Unbound grew from the owners’ appearances at local merchandise conventions and what they call “witchy markets.” They decided last summer to pursue their first permanent bookstore after testing their concept at those events.
The business posted its first Facebook profile image on June 5. Five days later, Annette and Margaret publicly announced their plan to open a store carrying fantastical fiction by underrepresented authors alongside curiosities such as local artwork, leather journals, antique bookends and decorative mirrors.
They also began seeking financial support from followers through a donation page playfully themed around giving blood. The request was for money, not literal blood donations.
Finding an appropriate storefront proved difficult. In a Dec. 21 update, the owners said they needed an accessible location that was spacious, warm and moody enough to fit their concept. Their initial search did not produce the right property, prompting them to begin again with more experience.
They eventually selected the former Dominion Camera space on West Broad Street.
In a Valentine’s Day video, Annette and Margaret thanked supporters for contributing time, encouragement and money. They said the business had become a demanding labor of love and that donations helped them cover bills while working toward the launch.
An opening date has not yet been announced, but the window display confirms that The Dark, Unbound is headed for one of downtown Falls Church’s prominent retail locations.