// WHSmith is opening several high-end stationery stores as it pursues Paperchase customers
// The first Curi.o.city stores will open in Gatwick Airport’s north and south terminals on March 16
WHSmith is set to open several high-end souvenir and stationery shops as it looks to fill the space left by Paperchase, which collapsed earlier this year.
The retailer will open Curi.o.city in Gatwick Airport’s north and south terminals on March 16, as well as one at St Pancras International in London at the beginning of April, The Times reported.
The standalone stores will sell gifts, stationery and souvenirs from a mix of third-party brands including Biscuiteers, East London Liquor Company and Soapsmith.
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Chief executive Carl Cowling told the publication he saw fresh opportunities following the demise of Paperchase, which collapsed in January.
The retailer is already moving into the empty space left by the stationery retailer having taken over the Paperchase concession in the Selfridges in Manchester.
It has also hired several of the collapsed retailer’s former employees who worked in buying and merchandising roles.
Cowling said the retailer had no plans to open any more stores on the high street but that it would expand its stationery ranges in stores near where a Paperchase used to operate.
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