WH Smith to introduce new style shops called Curi.o.city
WH Smith is planning the launch of a new chain of higher end stationery stores as it looks to target the Paperchase customer.
Called Curi.o.City, the stores will offer upmarket stationery items as well as gifts and souvenirs.
According to The Times, the first stores will launch at Gatwick’s north and south terminals on 16 March and will be followed by an opening at London St Pancras railway station in April.
Moving into the gap left by Paperchase, WH Smith has already taken over the retailer’s former concession spot in Selfridges in Manchester. It has also been reported that it has hired ex-employees from Paperchase’s former head office.
Paperchase collapsed in January and subsequently saw its brand and intellectual property acquired by Tesco as part of a pre-pack administration deal.
