‘We’d lose half our business overnight’ – beloved stationery shop launches campaign to stop relocation plans

Abdulsalam Lunat works at the stationery shop and has been part of the campaign to keep its current site running. Photograph: Argun Printers & Stationers

A stationery shop has received an unexpected outpouring of support after its landlord threatened to move it to a different location.

Argun Printers & Stationers has been in business at 344 Mare Street for more than 30 years and has become a cornerstone of the community in Hackney Central.

However, The Arch Company – which owns the building – has asked the business to vacate the premises to make way for a new development featuring “pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars,” according to Argun boss Farukh Adia.

The company has proposed Adia move his shop to Morning Lane. The area had been renamed Hackney Walk and was earmarked to house a strip of high-end clothing shops, something planners hoped would breathe new life into the area following the 2011 London riots. “Which failed,” Adia told the Citizen.

The shop has been running from the same location for 33 years. Photograph: @argunstationers / Instagram

Hackney Walk is predominantly shuttered off and is marked ‘permanently closed’ on Google. “If we move to somewhere which is off the beaten track, we lose basically half our business overnight,” Adia said.

“They’re calling it a vibrant area and they want me to move there,” he added. “I’ve been here for 33 years.”

The business owner said he had met with his landlords, who he claimed threatened to terminate his lease early if an agreement is not reached.

Adia’s customers suggested he start a petition in response to the proposed move. At the time of writing, it had recently surpassed 2,600 signatures.

One comment on the site reads: “A unique shop that can’t be lost. I’ve been coming here for the last 10 years, the stationery and things […] are hard to find elsewhere.”

“Please don’t shut down this wonderful business! Such kind people who run a lovely business,” says another.

“Hackney does not need more bars,” said another. “There are places to drink already. Argun is the heart of a community, more drinking will gradually erode community. There are very few printers in Hackney, the community needs Argun.”

A spokesperson for The Arch Company told the Citizen: “Argun Stationers is a valued long-standing customer, and we recognise the important role the business plays in the local community.

“We are committed to supporting Argun Stationers through the transformation of Bohemia Place and have proposed alternative solutions, including a relocation to our Morning Lane estate, which is less than five minutes’ walk away and will provide a high-quality retail unit at a reduced rent.

“We are keen to work together to find a positive outcome that supports the business and the community.”

Note: this article was amended at 1.51pm on Thursday, 18 December to add a comment from The Arch Company and at 10.32am on Monday, 6 January to update the number of signatures on the petition.