A SUPERMARKET giant has confirmed that it has bought the brand of a “much-loved” stationery chain with a store in Taunton.

Tesco confirmed it bought the Paperchase brand and intellectual property at the end of last month. 

Now, 'closing down' signs can now be seen in the windows of the store on Fore Street.

PA has reported that “the supermarket chain’s deal for the business will not include any of the retailer’s 106 stores and is therefore expected to impact hundreds of jobs”.

Jan Marchant, managing director of Home and Clothing at Tesco said: “Paperchase is a well-loved brand by so many, and we’re proud to bring it to Tesco stores across the UK.

“We have been building out plans to bring more brands and inspiration to the ranges we currently offer, and this will help us to take those plans further.

“We look forward to sharing more with our customers in due course.”

Somerset County Gazette:

PA also reported: “Paperchase said it would ‘strongly urge’ customers to redeem gift cards as soon as possible because they will not be accepted after two weeks.

“Begbies Traynor, which was appointed administrator of the stationery retailer on Tuesday, said it would continue to monitor trading in stores and provide further updates in 'due course'".

Paperchase opened a store in Taunton back in October 2020.

At the time, the store said: "We will be taking great inspiration from the Somerset Levels for this store and hope to incorporate and combine the art of topographic and Paperchase’s love of colour to make a match made in Taunton." 

Paperchase also has a store in Clarks Village in Street.

The Somerset County Gazette has approached Paperchase for a comment.