Our Days in London’s Legendary Cinema Store

From The Cinema Store to TheMovieMerch.com: A Legacy of Film Fandom

Before TheMovieMerch.com existed, we were The Cinema Store — a true institution nestled in the heart of London’s West End. For nearly 25 years, it was the ultimate destination for film fans, collectors, and anyone who shared a passion for cinema.

Founded in 1993, The Cinema Store wasn’t just a shop; it was a meeting place for movie lovers from all over the world. Its shelves were stacked with treasures — everything from rare soundtracks and imported memorabilia to original posters, figures, and film collectibles that couldn’t be found anywhere else. But what really made it special was the people. It became a hub where film fans connected, swapped stories, and celebrated the art of cinema together.

Hosting Icons of the Screen

We’ve always been movie lovers first, and that passion shaped everything we did. Hosting in-store signings and events wasn’t “just business” — it was pure excitement. We invited guests we genuinely admired, the filmmakers and artists whose work inspired us long before we ever met them.

Over the years, The Cinema Store welcomed some incredible names through its doors — among them William Friedkin, the visionary director of The Exorcist, and William Peter Blatty, the novel’s author, screenwriter and producer. Meeting them, and seeing our customers’ joy as they did the same, remains one of our proudest memories.

The Spirit Lives On

When The Cinema Store closed its doors after nearly a quarter of a century, it wasn’t the end of the story — it was the beginning of a new chapter. That same passion, knowledge, and sense of community lives on through TheMovieMerch.com, where we continue to celebrate film culture through exclusive merchandise, collectibles, and connections with fans around the world.

We may have traded the shelves of Covent Garden for an online home, but our mission hasn’t changed. We’re still building a space for film lovers — a place where the magic of cinema is cherished, collected, and shared.

Cinema Store signings article at TheMovieMerch.com
Novelist and screenwriterWilliam Peter Blatty signing at an anniversary event for The Exorcist with critic Mark Kermode.
Cinema Store signings article at TheMovieMerch.com
Director William Friedkin at a signing for The Exorcist with film critic Mark Kermode.