Stationery company Paperchase opens its new Bishop’s Stortford store on Thursday (October 13).
The brand – a fixture of the UK high street since 1968 when its first outlet opened in Kensington, west London – has set up shop in Potter Street in the former Phase Eight fashion shop.
The 125-store chain has recruited two managers and seven other members of staff for the business, which sells cards, wrapping paper and gifts as well as stationery.
A spokeswoman said: “Bishop’s Stortford has a bustling high street in a lovely and busy town centre, and we believe that Paperchase will fit brilliantly and will be a welcome addition for residents and shoppers alike.”
Meanwhile, maternity and childrenswear brand JoJo Maman Bébé, which employs seven full- and part-time staff, is leaving Bishop’s Stortford after almost 11 years.
The brand, founded in 1993, will close its North Street shop – between the vacant former White Stuff clothes store and the empty old offices of the Bishop’s Stortford Independent, which has moved to 7 Palmers Lane – on Sunday October 30.
In April this year, the chain was bought by Next and a group of investment companies, and founder Laura Tenison has stepped down.
