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Paperchase's Overview

Total employees462
HeadquartersLondon
Founded

Paperchase was a prominent British retailer specializing in design-led stationery, greeting cards, gifts, and art materials. Founded in 1968 by Judith Cash and Eddie Pond, it grew from a single shop in Kensington, London, to a multinational chain with over 150 stores in the UK and international outlets. Known for its distinctive, trend-aware designs and vibrant product ranges, Paperchase became a go-to destination for creative consumers. However, the company faced significant financial challenges, leading to administrations in 2021 and again in early 2023. In January 2023, British supermarket giant Tesco acquired the Paperchase brand and related intellectual property, but not its stores or workforce. Consequently, all standalone Paperchase stores were closed by April 2023. Tesco has since begun to reintroduce Paperchase-branded products online and in selected Tesco stores, aiming to continue the brand's legacy.

Where is Paperchase's Headquarters?

HQ Function

This facility served as the main administrative, design, and operational hub for Paperchase Products Limited. It housed departments for product development, buying, marketing, finance, HR, and retail operations management for its UK and international store network.

Notable Features:

Located in the Bloomsbury district, the headquarters was central and accessible. Internally, it was designed to foster creativity, likely featuring open-plan office spaces, design studios, and showrooms for its extensive product ranges. The environment aimed to reflect the brand's vibrant and artistic identity.

Work Culture:

The work culture at Paperchase HQ was often described as dynamic, creative, and fast-paced, typical of a fashion-forward retail business. There was a strong emphasis on design innovation, trend-spotting, and collaborative teamwork to bring new collections to market seasonally.

HQ Significance:

This headquarters was the nerve center of Paperchase for many years, where its iconic designs were conceived and its retail strategy formulated. It represented the heart of the brand during its period of significant growth and popularity before its financial difficulties.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters aimed to reflect Paperchase's core values of creativity, design excellence, and a passion for quality stationery. The workspace was intended to inspire employees and showcase the brand's unique aesthetic to partners and visitors.

Location:

Historically, Paperchase established a notable international footprint with standalone stores and concessions in various countries including Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark, and the Middle East (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Kuwait), and had a presence in the USA and Canada through department store concessions. Following the acquisition of the brand by Tesco in 2023, all international physical retail operations under the previous Paperchase company structure were closed. The Paperchase brand's current global presence is primarily through online sales via Tesco's platform, with shipping availability dependent on Tesco's international e-commerce policies. Tesco may also introduce Paperchase products into its own international store network where applicable.

Street Address:

12 Alfred Place

City:

London

State/Province:

Greater London

Country:

United Kingdom

Paperchase's Global Presence

Thrapston, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

Address: Pury Lane, Thrapston, Kettering, NN14 4RB (operated via logistics partner)

The Thrapston distribution centre was crucial for Paperchase's UK-wide logistics, ensuring timely stock replenishment for stores and efficient delivery for its e-commerce customers prior to the 2023 restructuring.

Buying Intent Signals for Paperchase

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Executive Team of Paperchase

As of April 2025, Paperchase' leadership includes:

Ollie Mehra - Chief Executive Officer (c. 2021 - January 2023)
Duncan Gibson - Chief Executive Officer (c. 2017 - 2020)
Timothy Melgund - Chief Executive Officer (long-serving, until 2017)
David Powis - Former Chief Financial Officer (various periods, including up to 2021 administration)

Investors of Paperchase

Paperchase has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

WHSmith (Original parent company)
Borders Group (Acquired from WHSmith, owned until c. 2009)
Primary Capital (Private equity firm, acquired Paperchase in 2010)
Permira Debt Managers (Became a significant lender and later majority owner following debt-for-equity swaps and restructuring, particularly influential from c. 2019-2023)

Executive New Hires/Exits in the Last 12 Months

Hire0
Exits2

Paperchase underwent significant financial distress and restructuring in the years leading up to its brand acquisition by Tesco in January 2023. This period saw leadership changes and ultimately the dissolution of its independent executive team. News primarily focused on administrations, rescue attempts, and the eventual sale of the brand rather than routine executive appointments.

Departures

Kevin Heath, Kevin Heath reportedly stepped down as CFO of Paperchase.
Ollie Mehra, Role as CEO of the standalone Paperchase entity ceased with the company's administration and subsequent brand sale to Tesco.

Technology (Tech Stack) used by Paperchase

Discover the tools Paperchase uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Paperchase Email Formats and Examples

Prior to its 2023 administration and brand acquisition by Tesco, Paperchase used standard corporate email formats for its employees. These email addresses (e.g., on the @paperchase.co.uk domain) are no longer active. For any inquiries related to the Paperchase brand, customers should now refer to Tesco's customer service channels.

Common historical formats included [first_initial][last]@paperchase.co.uk (e.g., jsmith@paperchase.co.uk) or [first].[last]@paperchase.co.uk (e.g., john.smith@paperchase.co.uk). Note: These formats are historical and no longer in use.

Format

example.employee@paperchase.co.uk (Note: This domain and email structure are no longer active for Paperchase operations)

Example

0%

Success rate

News and media

Retail GazetteAugust 9, 2023

Paperchase to relaunch in Tesco stores this month

Tesco is set to relaunch the Paperchase brand, which it acquired earlier this year, across its stores and online platform in August. The initial range will feature over 75 popular Paperchase products, with plans to expand the collection further....more

BBC NewsJanuary 31, 2023

Tesco buys Paperchase brand but not its shops

Tesco has bought the Paperchase brand and intellectual property after the stationery chain fell into administration. The deal does not include Paperchase's 106 stores or its workforce, meaning all stores will close and around 1,000 jobs are affected....more

The GuardianFebruary 2, 2023

Paperchase to close all 106 stores after brand bought by Tesco

All 106 Paperchase stores across the UK and Ireland are set to close down after administrators failed to find a buyer for the whole business. Tesco acquired the brand and intellectual property, but not the physical retail estate, leading to store closures and job losses....more

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