Design-led multiple retailer Paperchase is delaying its plans to open stores in the States due to the uncertainty of the market conditions on the other side of the Atlantic. Instead it is concentrating its growth in the UK.
Paperchase had earmarked sites in Chicago and had been developing some specific product ranges for the US market as the stores were initially planned to have opened by now.
Timothy Melgund, ceo of Paperchase told PG Buzz: “We have postponed our US openings until 2018, probably, due to the uncertainty over there. We are waiting for clarity on a number of different elements, including import duties.”
However he remains bullish about the growth potential for Paperchase on UK soil, in retail parks, major high streets and in smaller town locations.
Paperchase has recently opened in Glasgow Fort, an impressive retail park which has a catchment of over 2 million people and encompasses 90 brands. Glasgow Fort has extended opening hours until 10pm, the longest of any Scottish centre, with 50% of trade taking place after 5pm.
“We also have a store in Teeside Retail Park and Whiteley Village, near Fareham, which are trading well,” said Timothy who also highlighted how its stores in smaller towns, the most recent of which being Berkhamsted, are also faring well.
