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'It's not just a bookshop, but the hub and affirmation of a whole community' - Sarah Waters

Newsflash: Camden Council demand a 25% rent increase from Gay's the Word Bookshop.

Yes that's right, a 25% rent hike demand in a time of recession (when independent bookshops are closing at a rate of two a week) levelled at the only LGBT bookshop in the UK, and one that does tons of community support work on a daily basis!

Gay's the Word would like to clarify a couple of points about this recent news. The bookshop as a business has been performing really well since our last rent increase three years ago, due to the hard work, passion and commitment of the staff here and the support of our customers, that is part of the reason why it is so disheartening to be confronted with a 25% rent increase demand in a time of recession. We intend to enter into discussion with Camden about what is reasonable here. Gay's the Word, while the only dedicated LGBT bookshop in the UK (and therefore surely a precious national community resource), is not looking for special treatment and does indeed agree that Camden should deal with everyone evenly: we don't think any of our retail and bookshop neighbours should be despairing with exorbitant rent increase demands! Gay's the Word would also like to make clear that it fully backs the excellent work that Camden LBGT Forum does in the community and would like to commend Camden Council's continuing investment in their crucial projects. Gay's the Word will fight this rent increase demand, hopefully reach an acceptable agreement and continue to flourish. Thanks for your support everyone! Link to articles:

Camden New Journal Article: 25% Rent inc