Original Factory Shop to close several branches in coming weeks
Original Factory Shop to close several branches in coming weeks- is YOUR local store on the list?
- The discount department store announced three closures to occur in August
- It comes as another blow for high streets struggling with the cost of living
The Original Factory Shop has become the latest retailer to announce imminent store closures.
After closing two stores in May, the chain has announced that three more branches will close in August.
The discount department store sells a range of fashion, homeware, toys and more – including its own lines and offering discounts on high street prices.
It stocks luxury brands such as Hugo Boss, Clinique, Armani and Calvin Klein, offering up to 70 per cent off big brands.
The Original Factory Shop was founded in 1969, quickly becoming a staple name on the High Street and it now has around 190 stores in the UK.
The Original Factory Shop has become the latest retailer to announce imminent store closures (stock image)
The three branches set to close on August 26 are located in Mildenhall, Suffolk; Bodmin, Cornwall; and Chepstow, Wales
The three branches set to close on August 26 are:
- Chepstow, Wales
- Mildenhall, Suffolk
- Bodmin, Cornwall
In May it also closed stores in Bideford, Devon and in Stourport.
But there is good news for other areas of the country as the Original Factory Shop opened a new outlet in East Yorkshire this week and another opening has been announced for Nairn, Inverness.
READ MORE: Boots to close more stores in days as part of pharmacy giant’s plan to shut 300 shops – but is your local next on the list to be axed?
Councillor Andy Neal, who represents the Queensway ward in Mildenhall, told Suffolk News: ‘Losing The Factory Shop is a big hit for Mildenhall and there is not another shop like them in the town.
‘It’s a very poor decision for our town and I can only hope the shop does not remain empty for too long.’
The news comes as yet another blow to an already-struggling High Street as the cost of living crisis has seen several retailers shut their doors.
Boots is closing 300 stores this summer, while Argos will close seven next month.
The difficulties have arisen as businesses have been trying to bounce back after the pandemic and have faced rising costs of staying open, including mounting energy bills.
The cost of living crisis has also meant shoppers have less disposable income.
A spokesperson for The Original Factory Shop told The Sun: ‘We have over 190 stores across the UK and are planning on opening more over the coming months.
‘Unfortunately, we have taken the decision to close our Chepstow, Mildenhall and Bodmin stores at the end of August.
‘For the last few weeks, we have been consulting with colleagues at these stores and are working hard to support all of those affected.’
MailOnline has contacted The Original Factory Shop for comment.
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