Retail chain with 178 locations announces the impending closure of an additional three stores
The discount department store chain, The Original Factory Shop, is facing a wave of store closures this year. According to reports, 22 of its shops have shut or are set to close, with three more announced recently.
The chain, founded by the Black family in 1969 and currently operating 178 shops across Britain, has been affected by economic pressures and market changes. The retail sector is experiencing higher wages and employer national insurance contributions, which have put a strain on many businesses.
In a bid to renegotiate rents and streamline its operations, the private equity firm Modella, which acquired The Original Factory Shop this year, has been actively working on restructuring the company. After taking over, Modella swiftly drew up plans to renegotiate rents at 88 of the company's stores.
The closures will deal a fresh blow to shoppers who prefer to buy their everyday items in person in shops rather than online. Among the stores set to close are those in Milford Haven, Perth, Chester Le Street, and Arbroath. The Market Drayton store has announced its closure on Facebook, while the specific locations of the three stores closing this year have not been disclosed.
The Original Factory Shop sells a variety of items, including shoes, garden benches, perfume, and kitchen roll. The chain has already announced a number of store closures in recent months, with four store closures unveiled last month in Staveley, Cheshire, Caernarfon, Bridlington, and Cupar, Fife.
Modella also owns the high-street arm of WH Smith, which it is rebranding under the name TG Jones. In a separate development, Modella agreed to sell WH Smith's 480 high street shops to it in a £76million deal.
The news of The Original Factory Shop's store closures comes as part of a broader wave of retailer restructuring and store shutdowns reported around mid-2025. Other retailers, such as Hobbycraft, have also announced store closures this year. Nine Hobbycraft stores are set to close this month and in September as part of an ongoing rationalisation of its estate.
As The Original Factory Shop continues to navigate these challenging times, it remains to be seen how the company will adapt and move forward.
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