Expanding Business After Paperchase Collapse

  • WH Smith plans to open Curi.o.city stores targeting stationary market
  • Curi.o.city will sell stationery, gifts and souvenirs from third-party brands
  • Stores opening in Gatwick airport’s south and north terminals and King’s Cross railway station
  • WH Smith sees opportunities after Paperchase collapse
  • Investing over £100m in new shops, expanding to 32 overseas markets

WHSmith is set to open new Curi.o.city stores, selling stationery, gifts, and souvenirs from third-party brands like East London Liquor Company, Biscuiteers, and Soapsmith. The first two stores will be in Gatwick airport’s south and north terminals on March 16 and King’s Cross railway station in April. WH Smith has hired employees from Paperchase head office team for buying and merchandising roles and plans to take over the Paperchase concession in Selfridges shop in Manchester. The company is investing over £100m in new shops, expanding to 32 overseas markets.

Factuality Level: 7
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about WH Smith’s plans to open new stores under the Curi.o.city brand, their expansion strategy, and the impact of Paperchase’s collapse on the market. It also mentions the acquisition by Tesco and the investment in new shops. However, it could provide more details on the specific products that will be sold at Curi.o.city and the exact number of new stores to be opened.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about WH Smith’s plans to open new stores and expand its business after Paperchase’s collapse. It also mentions the acquisition of some employees from Paperchase and the company’s investment in new shops. However, it lacks in-depth analysis or exploration of long-term trends or consequences.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: WH Smith’s expansion plans and impact on competitor Paperchase
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses WH Smith’s plans to open new stores and take over concessions from the collapsed Paperchase, which has financial implications for both companies and their respective markets.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: No extreme events or crises mentioned in the article.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk