Discount store with 178 shops is shutting four branches over next few weeks

Daily Mirror

20-05-2025

The Original Factory Shop is closing four of its stores. The discount chain will pull down the shutters on its branch in Peterhead in Scotland on June 28.
The retailer confirmed the news of the Peterhead branch closing in a post on Facebook, where it announced a 30% closing down sale.
It said: "We would like to take this time to thank all of our customers at Peterhead store. We have loved serving you and being part of the community over the last 18 months. We hope you will pop in to see us before we close.
"Our last day will be the 28th of June. Please can we ask that you be respectful to staff as we are all devastated that our store is closing."
Replying to the post, one shopper said: "Very sorry to hear this very sad. News definitely has come has a huge shock." A second person said: "Disappointed as there is not many clothes shops around here anymore."
Another shopper said: "Very sad I go in to that shop monthly." And a fourth person wrote: "Aww love this shop."
Meanwhile, the Original Factory Shop in Market Place, Staveley, Derbyshire is set to close permanently on July 12. The announcement was shared on Facebook and read: "With a heavy heart we regret to inform you that the rumours are true.
"The Original Factory Shop Staveley has served you for 20 years and will be closing its doors for the final time on the July 12."
Its store in Nairn, Scotland, has also been listed for sale, and its location in Charles Street, Milford Haven, has announced its a 30% closing down sale.
A post on Facebook read: "Closing down sale now on in store! Up to 30% across all items."
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 shop told The Press and Journal: "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."