The discount chain is undergoing a major restructure and has already closed, or is set to close, 22 branches – so the latest closures will take the total list to 25 shops
The Original Factory Shop has launched closing down sales with up to 70% off at three more of its stores.
The discount chain is undergoing a major restructure and has already closed, or is set to close, 22 branches – including one in Kirkham, Lancashire, which will close this month.
One new store which has been confirmed for closure is in Caldicot, Wales, which is closing for good this week. Then after this, The Original Factory Shop in Market Drayton, Shropshire, will close on September 20.
Another of its shops in Nairn, Scotland, has also been earmarked for closure, although no exact date has been announced yet. These latest locations put the total number of closures to 25.
The Original Factory Shop has announced the closures on Facebook, with devastated shoppers reacting to the news. It comes after Martin Lewis warns ‘nothing to do with me’ after complaints from money savers.
One person said: “Such diverse stock you will be sadly missed.” Another commented: “Ahhhhh no, always get birthday balloons etc from you… brilliant service.”
A third said: “Oh no! Such a shame!” A fourth person posted: “I am so sad to see this lovely shop go me and my family have been poping in for years getting all sorts of bits and bobs.”
It comes after its owner Modella Capital launched plans to renegotiate rents at 88 of its 178 stores through a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), according to Sky News.
A CVA is an agreement between a business and its creditors that allows debts to be paid off over a fixed period of time. The creditors must first approve the CVA before it can be implemented. The Original Factory Shop employs around 2,000 people.
A spokesperson for The Original Factory previously said: “The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) recently confirmed that as part of a restructuring a number of its loss-making stores will have to close.
“Closing stores is always a tough decision and we are committed to keeping as many stores open as possible. This is, however, dependent on successful negotiations with landlords as we strive to build a sustainable and successful business for the future.
“We have already announced that two stores will close. Additionally, a small number of other stores are currently under review, with their continued operation subject to ongoing negotiations with landlords.”
Full list of The Original Factory Shop closures
- Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire – June 26
- Perth – June 28
- Chester Le Street, County Durham – June 28
- Arbroath, Angus – June 28
- Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire – June 28
- Pershore, Worcestershire – June 28
- Normanton, West Yorkshire – June 28
- Peterhead, Aberdeenshire – June 28
- Shaftesbury, Dorset – June 28
- Staveley, Cumbria – July 12
- Bridlington – July 20
- Caernarfon – July 20
- Ashbourne – July 20
- Matlock – July 26
- Cupar, Fife – July 27
- Kirkham, Lancashire – August
- Caldicot – August 7
- Market Drayton – September 20
- Middlewich, Cheshire – TBC
- Blairgowrie, Scotland – TBC
- Heswall – TBC
- Blairgowrie – TBC
- Kinross – TBC
- Heswall – TBC
- Nairn – TBC