SPECIALIST stationery store Paperchase will close its Ringwood store on Friday after four years in the Furlong Centre.

But shoppers will soon see a branch of luxury handbag brand Osprey London at the popular centre and it is now recruiting for sales consultants.

It is not yet known in which unit the store will open. 

In a post on Facebook, Paperchase manager Edd Mackray-Swift thanked customers and said he and his colleagues are "gutted" that the store is closing.

He said: "Thank you to all our lovely customers, who have been so kind over the past couple of weeks, and the last four years. The team and I are gutted to be closing because we love it here.

"I hope you can all make it in this week to say farewell before we eventually close this Friday. If not, it’s been an absolute pleasure, and thank you."

Paperchase is an international chain of stationery stores which was established in the UK.

It expanded to many different countries but has closed a number of UK stores in a recent restructuring exercise.

The nearest local outlets are concessions inside Next at Castlepoint and House of Fraser in Bournemouth.

Osprey London is a luxury leather brand which specialises in handbags, purses and accessories.

The nearest store is currently an outlet unit at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.

The company is advertising for staff for the Ringwood store, including a store manager, supervisor and sales consultants.

The advertisement says: "We think Osprey London is pretty special and we're currently on the lookout for some especially talented team members to join our new store team, coming soon, in Ringwood.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a highly successful, home-grown, British luxury brand."

Osprey London is the latest luxury brand to head for the Furlong Centre.

Others include Joules, Crew Clothing Company, Phase Eight, Fat Face, Hobbs and Aga.