Borders Overhauls Paperchase Unit

Book retailer Borders Group (Ann Arbor, Mich.) announced it has reorganized its Paperchase U.S. leadership team in an effort to strengthen its alignment with the U.K. headquarters of the gift and stationery retailer. Borders said Paperchase U.S. president Dick Lynch is departing the company, while Jim Frering has been hired as vp, Paperchase U.S. operations.

Frering, 48, is based at Borders’ headquarters in Ann Arbor and reports to Simon Howes, head of retail at London-based Paperchase U.K. Frering is responsible for the continued expansion and operation of Paperchase shops in the U.S., as Borders Group continues to extend the concept in its Borders superstores. There are currently more than 335 Paperchase shops within Borders stores nationwide as well as about 120 locations outside the U.S., including free-standing stores, as well as shops within department stores and transit stations.

“Paperchase is a great brand and a successful business in the U.K. that has further growth potential in the U.S. through the continued expansion of the shops within our Borders superstores as well as through further improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of how we operate the business here,” said Borders Group ceo Ron Marshall. “By creating a closer connection between the U.K. leadership and our U.S. team, we'll be in the best position to take advantage of these opportunities.”