There are fears of store closures as a UK discount brand is in administration, with an Oxfordshire shop one of those reportedly at risk.
Last month The Original Factory Shop fell into administration putting the future of its 137 stores and 1,180 staff in danger.
The discount retailer, which sells products including clothing and homeware, appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory and said it will continue to trade from its stores across the UK as the process goes on.
Administrators said The Original Factory Shop’s troubles have been driven by challenging trading conditions, linked to high cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.
Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.
The Original Factory Shop has appointed administrators from Interpath (Image: Ben Birchall/PA)
Now The Sun has reported that the first of its branches are closing since its administration.
These are at Prudhoe in Northumberland, and in Ballycastle, Portrush and Warrenpoint in County Down in Northern Ireland.
It only has one store in Oxfordshire, in Carterton, although Claire’s – which is also owned by investment firm Modella Capital and is in administration – has one in the Oxford Westgate.
Although no official close date has been given, yellow “closing down” signs have gone up in the windows of the retail unit, meaning the end is near for the branch.
The Original Factory Shop has been approached for comment.
