Gallic Books to Open New Independent Bookshop

Press Release

Gallic Books, publisher of multi-million copy bestseller, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, is to open a central London independent bookstore, Belgravia Books, on the 26th September 2011. The shop, at 59 Ebury Street SWI, will carry general stock with a slant to translated fiction and titles from fellow independent publishers. Aiming to be very much a local bookshop, Belgravia Books will offer services such as home and workplace delivery, an interactive website, free teas and coffees and a vigorous events programme with reading groups and involvement with schools a key focus. They also aim to hold book launches, discussions, children's readings, workshops and author signing evenings. Ironically, one of the opening discussions will be entitled 'The Death of the Bookshop'.
Belgravia Books will continue Gallic's close relationship with the Big Green Bookshop in Wood Green, offering its customers collection either from Ebury Street or Wood Green, and will run events in conjunction with Big Green.
Jane Aitken, Founder and MD of Gallic Books says:
'We are so excited to be realising our long-held dream of opening a bookshop. We want Belgravia Books to become an integral and active part of the local community, and the Big Green Bookshop, itself a model of local bookselling, has been more than generous in sharing ideas with us. We also have the benefit of the combined skill and expertise of Operations Director, Alison Savage and Head of Sales, Guy Ramage, both former Borders managers, to help guide our way. Alison Savage, will take on the role of Belgravia Books Manager.'
Another publishing relationship that will cross from Gallic to Belgravia is the tie-in with the Bookswarm family of websites, including online magazine Bookhugger. Belgravia Books will promote books featured on the websites and provide customers with reviews supplied by Bookgeeks.
Gallic Books publishing and translation will also move from its current Chelsea based address and be run from Ebury Street.