THE future of a stationery store in Colchester has been plunged into doubt after business bosses parachuted in administrators.

Paperchase, in Culver Square Shopping Centre, is at risk of closure after company officials revealed 106 branches across the country could be shut down.

The firm is now under the control of administration group Begbies Traynor who were brought in after the struggling chain failed to secure a rescue sale.

Supermarket juggernaut Tesco, however, has announced a deal to purchase the brand, but said it had no desire to retain its shops or workforce.

This means Colchester workers at the Paperchase store in Shewell Walk, which sells everything from notepads to greeting cards, could now potentially lose their jobs.

Gazette:

Sam Good, manager of Our Colchester BID, said: “We are extremely disappointed to see the news of a potential closure for Paperchase.

"This store hires local people and is a great retail option for the city centre so we really hope it stays.

"This could be another national retailer closing due to a national decision, similar to Debenhams, BHS, Topshop and M&S and not because it is failing in its location, which is frustrating.

"Despite this, we are running an employment and skills programme we are confident can support retail workers in finding new jobs straight away within the city centre and would empower any staff losing jobs to get in touch with us."

Since taking over the reins administrators have said shops will likely open for a short while but nothing has been assured regarding the long term prospects of staff.

Gift cards, meanwhile, will continue to be honoured in the short-term but after two weeks these will no longer be redeemable.

This is not the first time doubts have been cast over the longevity of the city centre’s Paperchase shop.

In 2019 owners unveiled plans to shut a number of shops before the company went into administration for the first time two years ago, with 37 branches closing.

Gazette:

Dave King, leader of Colchester Council, said: “As a customer and fan of boutique stores like Paperchase, this news fills me with great sadness.

“I truly wish well all of those who may be affected, especially the staff, but I hope they can take some comfort in the number of employment opportunities in the city.

“We all feel sadness when there is change but we can continue to look forward to growth and possibility across an otherwise thriving Colchester.

“I do, however, completely understand none of this will take away the upset felt by those affected and the disappoint of regular customers.”