Book blind date moves to shop after TikTok boom

A couple who set up an online business offering readers a "Blind Date with a Book" are opening a shop after going viral on TikTok.

Ally Fir and Matt Rawlings, from Bournemouth, set up the Mysterious Bookcase in 2022, offering surprise gift-wrapped books based on reader's preferences.

Mr Rawlings said things really "blew up" when they began livestreaming their order and packaging process, with customers posting their own unboxing videos in return.

The couple say, as well as being able to meet customers, the new shop will mean they will get their house back, which is currently full of books.

The service started out offering used books, but now offers a choice of new and old editions, all wrapped and packaged with tea, chocolates and a bookmark.

Ms Fir said, in 2023, they tried out the TikTok Shop live broadcast feature and "it absolutely changed our lives".

Mr Rawlings said: "People can place an order while we're live - we don't show them what the book is - I wrap it off screen, I pass it to Ali and she'll decorate it in front of the customer.

"They sometimes do an unboxing video that they will post on the TikTok shop, and it's just exploded from there."

He said the business had developed from a "side-hustle" to a full-time business.

"There are so many people who want to see us and wander around a bookshop," he said.

Ms Fir said: "First and foremost, we will be a bookshop, people will be able to come and browse our shelves.

"I think we will have a bookcase dedicated to our blind-date-with-a-book packages.

"They'll probably have little clues on the covers rather than just be decorated."

The pair hope to continue their live streams when the shop opens in Westbourne in the summer.

Mr Rawlings said: "At the moment we've got books everywhere at home, it will be nice to have that separation... and then we can come home and we've got our house back."

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