SHOPPERS left disappointed by the impending closure of a stationery store in Colchester have said: “Another one bites the dust”.

Paperchase, in Culver Square Shopping Centre, is likely to shut for good after supermarket juggernaut Tesco purchased the brand but not its shops.

This means workers at the Shewell Walk stores, which sells everything from notepads to greeting cards, will potentially lose their jobs.

The news comes after the struggling company, founded in 1968, officially revealed 106 branches across the country could be closed down.

Residents in Colchester have now reacted to the looming closure of the city centre shop, with many raising concerns over the impact the decision will have on staff.

Claire Lendon said: “This is so sad, the ladies who work in there are always so lovely. I wish them the best for the future. They must be devastated.”

READ MORE: Paperchase Colchester could close after Tesco strikes deal with firm

John Barnes, meanwhile, has called on Colchester Council bosses to do their best to find a replacement as quickly as possible.

He said: “Another company erased, but hopefully the council will put another decent business in there that is all encompassing. I am sure they are on the case.

Beverley Saunders has been left upset with bosses at Tesco for taking on Paperchase products to sell in their supermarkets but not the company’s workforce.

She said: “They want the products but they do not give a hoot about the stores and the people who work in them.

“All I can say is good luck to the people who are about to be jobless. I really do hope they can all find new jobs to go to.”

Like many of the city’s shoppers, Sam Good, manager of Our Colchester BID, has also been left saddened by the closure of Paperchase.

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

"This could be another national retailer closing due to a national decision and not because it is failing in its location, which is frustrating.

"We are running an employment and skills programme we are confident can support retail workers in finding new jobs straight away.”

Tesco has been contacted for comment.

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