Brighton couple launches magazine shop pop-ups ahead of North Laine store opening

A Brighton couple is bringing the joy of independent magazines back to the city through an innovative pop-up approach. Leah and Jonny Bancroft have launched Cover Story, an online magazine shop that's testing the waters with temporary events across Brighton before establishing a permanent North Laine store.

The idea came to Leah, 41, after she and her family moved to Brighton more than four years ago. She discovered that the city's beloved magazine shop had closed just months after their arrival—leaving a noticeable gap in the community.

"When we first moved, we discovered that Brighton's magazine shop had closed about two or three months later," Leah explained. "Since then, we've been waiting for something to open, but sadly it hasn't happened. So, I just thought, why not do it myself and make it happen in Brighton so that people who want the same experience as me can have it."

Expertise and passion combined

Leah's husband Jonny, 40, brings valuable industry experience to the venture. He previously ran Your Celebrity Magazines, a large online magazine company with worldwide reach, and has been instrumental in making Leah's vision a reality.

"I think just that experience, the know-how of how the industry works and the contacts help us to help Leah be successful and understand what we actually want," Jonny said.

For Leah, a former teacher, the business represents more than just entrepreneurship—it's about balance. "I can work it around my children and have my passion running side-by-side with my family life," she noted.

Pop-ups paving the way

While hunting for their permanent location, Cover Story is running pop-up events at venues including Starfish and Coffee, The Archives, and Helm Gallery. Customers can order magazines online for local delivery or collection at these temporary sites.

The couple has been overwhelmed by community support. "Residents and visitors had shown 'crazy' levels of enthusiasm for Cover Story," according to the source.

Looking beyond retail

Cover Story will stock a curated selection of independent magazines covering art, photography, music, fashion and interiors. Leah is particularly keen to feature Off-licence Magazine, an independent Brighton-based writing magazine.

But the couple's ambitions extend far beyond simply selling magazines. They're planning community events including magazine talks, themed evenings and immersive experiences tied to specific fandoms.

"We want to do events that incorporate the whole community, so we're going to invite the photography community, for example, to listen to a speaker from a big photography magazine," Leah explained.

Each pop-up will reflect its venue's focus, with film and fandom themes planned for upcoming events. The North Laine location choice reflects feedback from their social media followers and their understanding of Brighton's creative audience.

For more information about Cover Story's pop-up locations and to order magazines, visit their website.

Source: Couple building magazine business launch pop-ups amid search for permanent store