STAFF at the Staples stationery and office supplies store in Carlisle face an uncertain future following the sale of the business.

Its US owner has sold all 106 UK stores, employing 1, 100 people, to the restructuring specialist Hilco Capital for a nominal sum.

Under the terms of the deal, the Staples name will be phased out.

But Hilco's plans for the stores and staff are not yet known.

Paul McGowan, of Hilco Capital, said: “While retail in the UK has been challenged recently, a team led by retail veteran Alan Gaynor will work alongside the existing management team to build a plan for success for the business.”

Hilco is best known for rescuing the music, games and DVD retailer HMV after it fell into administration in 2013.

The sale of the UK Staples stores comes after Staples Inc put its European operations under review in May.

It said the review of its remaining operation in Europe is continuing.

According to the most recent accounts, Staples’ UK retail operations reported pre-tax losses of £5 m for the year to January 2015, b ut its online arm and business-to-business division have been performing better than the stores.

The Carlisle branch of Staples, in Station Retail Park, James Street, opened in 1999.