Administrators were appointed to Bolton-registered TOFS earlier this week, placing more than 1,000 jobs at risk. The joint administrators will continue to trade all 137 stores – including those in Clitheroe, Todmorden, Garstang and Lancaster – as a going concern while they assess options. The company’s online store will close.
Staff at the Clitheroe branch have asked customers to help keep them open for as long as possible.
On Facebook they wrote: “While there is still a small slither of hope that we could be saved, we are preparing ourselves for the worst. We will be starting to hold a closing down sale starting today and we ask that you please support us, as if sales aren’t as high as expected, we have been told that we could be gone a lot sooner.
“Obviously there are seven of us that work here and this is a very sad time for us as we have all worked together for many years. We ask that you please be respectful when asking us questions in regards to the store closing as we currently don’t have an answer, but when we do we will update you. Many thanks for all the years of support, The Clitheroe Team.”
Founded in 1969, The Original Factory Shop is a discount retailer selling a wide range of branded and own-sourced products, including clothing, homewares, beauty items, toys, and seasonal goods.
Adminstrators said that in common with other high street retailers, The Original Factory Shop had experienced challenging trading conditions, driven by high cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and government policies which have led to significant increases in employment costs.
This was exacerbated by issues with the company’s third-party warehouse and logistics operator, which significantly impacted sales.
“Trading challenges”
Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “The Original Factory Shop has long-been a cornerstone of local high streets up and down the country. Unfortunately, however, trading challenges have impacted the business such that the Company had to be placed into administration. Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with TOFS dedicated team of employees as we endeavour to operate all stores as a going concern while we assess options for the business.”
Modella Capital acquired The Original Factory Shop in February 2025. It also owns Claire’s which has also fallen into administration.
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