Wed, 06 Jan 2021 | ADMINISTRATION
Cards and stationary retailer Paperchase has filed notice of intent to appoint administrators, saying that COVID-19 restrictions had put “an unbearable strain on the business”. The company, which is owned by private equity firm Primary Capital and has 173 UK stores and concessions, has lined up accountancy firm PwC to handle the administration.
Paperchase is not classed as an essential retailer, so was forced to close all stores during the spring lockdown, the second lockdown in November and December and in areas that were later put into tier 4.
With the business typically generating 40 per cent of its annual sales in November and December, the second lockdown was particularly damaging. The latest lockdown means its stores have once again been forced to close.
The company underwent a CVA in March 2019 and said that many stores had continued to trade profitably and that online sales had performed strongly, but these factors were not enough to offset the cumulative impact of COVID-19.
Other possible contributors to the retailer’s distressed position include the rise of online card retailers such as Moonpig and Funky Pigeon and its strong presence in travel hubs, such as railway stations, which have seen drastically reduced footfall during the pandemic.
A company spokesperson said: “The cumulative effects of lockdown one, lockdown two – at the start of the Christmas shopping period – and now the current restrictions have put unbearable strain on retail businesses across the country.”
"Paperchase is not immune despite our strong online trading. Out of lockdown we’ve traded well, but as the country faces further restrictions for some months to come, we have to find a sustainable future for Paperchase. We are working hard to find that solution and this NOI is a necessary part of this work.”
In its most recent financial report, for the year ended February 2 2019, the company reported turnover of £125 million, down from £131 million a year earlier, gross profit of £14 million and a £3.4 million loss for the financial year.
Its fixed assets at the time were valued at £14.4 million, current assets at £16.4 million and net assets at £2.8 million.
The news of Paperchase’s imminent administration came hours after Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £4.6 billion package of financial assistance to support UK businesses through the third lockdown.
View the latest distressed UK businesses here.
This is a unique opportunity to acquire a profitable and well-established business located in the picturesque village of Fourstones, Hexham. The business boasts an advised annual turnover of £650,000, with plenty of scope for growth.
LEASEHOLD
The business commenced activity in 2012 and provides high quality care to its service users, enabling them to maintain as high a level of independence as possible. The owners are very experienced in health and social care and have built a business wi...
LEASEHOLD
Specialising in high quality power tools / hand tools /fixings / fasteners / abrasives / adhesives / door hardware / ironmongery and workwear. Boasts strong relationships with its suppliers, alongside an exceptional industry reputation. Caters to ov...
LEASEHOLD
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.