A new retailer has snapped up the former Paperchase unit at the Metrocentre, days after the stationery brand went into administration.

Premium footwear retailer Moda In Pelle will open in the Upper Platinum Mall this Easter, offering a range of classic shoes, boots, bags and accessories.

Moda In Pelle, which is Italian for “fashion in leather” says it offers ‘wearable, fashionable, but also still affordable’ footwear.

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Jacob Snell Head of Retail at Moda In Pelle, said: “We’re really excited to be opening our new concept store at the Metrocentre.

“We believe it’ll be a very special place to shop for our customers. Our shoes are designed with passion and crafted without compromise. It’s these fundamental principles that make us stand out on the high street.”

The brand already has more than 40 retail stores and concessions across the UK.

Ben Cox from Metrocentre owners Sovereign Centros added: “We are pleased to welcome another established quality brand, which will strengthen the footwear offering available to our customers.  With its unique and sophisticated product range we anticipate a successful launch for the brand.

“The opening of Moda in Pelle adds to Metrocentre’s expanding offer of aspirational brands which includes recent arrivals Hobbs, Jo Malone and Harrods Beauty.”

Paperchase only called in administrators on Tuesday (January 31) after the struggling business was unable to secure a rescue deal.

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Tesco announced it would buy the brand and intellectual property, but did not take on its shops or workforce.

The Metrocentre store was one of 106 branches expected to close, with hundreds of workers likely to face redundancy.

Jan Marchant, managing director of home and clothing at Tesco, said: “Paperchase is a well-loved brand by so many and we’re proud to bring it to Tesco stores across the UK.

“We have been building our plans to bring more brands and inspiration to the ranges we currently offer and this will help us to take those plans further.

“We look forward to sharing more with our customers in due course.”

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