Bookshop Limited – an umbrella organisation that owns The Gilded Acorn bookshop in central London – has completed a merger acquisition of the online feminist book community Aphra, formerly known as Books That Matter. Aphra’s founder Molly Masters will lead the newly combined entity as director.
Moving forward, Masters and Arthur Kay, the founder of Bookshop Limited, will use The Gilded Acorn as their “London hub” to host events and community book clubs, while also partnering with “aligned” brands and venues across the capital.
Alongside weekly in-person events, the teams will continue growing Aphra’s online community and book club.
“Collaboration has always been at the heart of Aphra’s growth story,” Masters said. “Merging with Bookshop Limited fortifies both brands. I am incredibly excited to bring to life the plans we have,” she added.
“Expanding our reach with Aphra brings a new and more diverse audience,” commented Glenn Smart, manager of The Gilded Acorn bookshop. “We look forward to hosting even more events with growing audiences and authors.”
Bookshop Limited houses The Gilded Acorn bookshop, which has been selling in London since 1994.
Aphra is a “community of feminist book lovers” that has been featured on “Dragons’ Den” and ITV’s “This Morning”. It now expands into bookselling and events as part of the recent merger.
