The Merchandiser

by Chad Schimke

The Merchandiser by Chad Schimke – When a merchandiser becomes preoccupied with decorations, he gives in to his chilling obsession. Second best will have to do, but he makes the most of it. Fear meets perfection in this unnerving tale, set against a backdrop of stark film noir. Read ‘The Merchandiser’ today!

50 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2019

About the author

I write weird fiction, dark fantasy, horror and SciFi.

Read them all: The Costumer, The Merchandiser, Vivified, Behind the Walls, Hallowmas & Midwinter.

https://linktr.ee/authorchadschimke

#postapocalypticfiction #horrorfiction #darkfantasy #weirdfiction #amwriting #amblogging

Reviews

[Myra Gabor · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this case, the Merchandiser is a department store decorator. It is almost Thanksgiving and Fred Dorman's job is to dress the store for Christmas. Fred is a loner, but not by choice. He knows he's an ugly man who has had no luck with women. He thinks it's perfectly alright to sleep with a mannequin that he's smuggled home. The store decorations and windows are so perfect he is sure he will get a raise. Instead, when he reaches out to the store's pretty bookkeeper, what he gets is a domino effect as things get hopelessly out of control. I can see this story being presented by Alfred Hitchcock. Very well done.

[Ami · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Merchandiser is a gripping tale of horror with a moral: always check the potential employee's references. The primary character is so well-described that I may have nightmares -if I can get to sleep. Treat yourself to an outstanding short story filled with a special Black Friday with all the trimmings!

Disclaimer : I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sharp read. The Merchandiser has a chilling obsession and a chilling past. He refers to himself as an ugly man. He loves mannequins and sleeps with one at home. He forges refrences to get a job as a store decorator for the christmas period. This is where he finds his number one. Things get out of hand though when the attractive book keeper turns up one night not realising he is still at the store finishing the display. Things turn from bad to worse.......

[Jean-Charles Garaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

It was my first attempt at a novel from Chad Schimke, who is here is describing the developments of Thanksgiving / Christmas decorating adventure of Fred.

The novel although short is well written with an atmosphere to it even if not Christmas like the whole story along…. with an interesting twist, it is pleasant to read even for me not a real fan of short stories.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story has a number of twists - I guessed a couple. Decorating the department store on Thanksgiving all by himself. He's a lonely man and he makes friends with those around him.

Scary, dark book

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick, disturbing little story.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cross between The Twilight Zone and Stephen King, The Merchandiser will creep you out and make you a little sad all at the same time.