THE star of a smash hit television drama was spotted enjoying a day out with his family in Ulverston.

Damian Lewis, who plays the lead character Marine Sergeant Nicholas Brody in Homeland, spent Tuesday in the town.

The 41-year-old English actor and producer, who last month was a guest of Barack Obama at a White House reception honouring Prime Minister David Cameron, was seen in The Farmers Arms and Booths supermarket.

Lewis, who is also renowned for his role as Major Richard Winters in the Second World War show Band of Brothers, also visited The Original Factory Shop in The Gill. Dave Warren, manager at the shop, said: “He came in with his two kids, did a bit of shopping and left.

“He was just here as a normal person. Some of the staff recognised him – obviously the women – they noticed him and some were a bit star-struck.

“But apart from that, there wasn’t any fuss made. He just bought some toys for his kids.”

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THE former Somerfield in Pensarn will be transformed into a discount factory shop.

The building has only been deserted for a short while since Co-op closed its store toward the end of 2011.

Fears the site could become another abandoned premises have now been allayed after it was purchased by The Original Factory Shop.

Cllr Jean Stubbs hopes the new store will pave the way for more to come in the town.

“When any shop opens in the area it’s good news,” she said.

“The only thing is we could really do with a convenience store. There are a lot of elderly people in Pensarn and as it stands it is a long walk if they want to get, say, a pint of milk.

“That is the only misgiving, though. We don’t have a lot in Pensarn and it is great to have a store of any kind opening. I hope this will be something to start it off and pave the way for more stores in the area.”

The retail chain claims to specialise in providing trade to smaller towns.

A spokesperson outlined their commitment to communities such as Pensarn: “We aim to be part of the local community, bringing local jobs for local people that would not normally be found, regenerating shopping centres that would otherwise remain empty, providing an increase in customer traffic for local retailers as well as ourselves and breathing life into these otherwise quiet streets.

“We offer smaller communities a department store that would not normally trade in small towns.”

The new store will provide an unspecified number of local jobs including managerial posts and retail positions. The opening date is scheduled for May 12.

A number of nationwide Original Factory Stores stock a range of items including clothing, electrical items and housewares.

The store, off Marine Road, was run by the Co-operative Group after its acquisition of the Somerfield chain in 2009. It then closed on November 26 last year, the company citing poor trading levels as the reason for closure.

Twenty-three jobs were lost as part of the shutdown, although some positions were relocated.

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COLLEAGUES at Portrush’s newest retailer The Original Factory Shop are aiming to make a difference to the community by choosing one local cause to be its charity partner for 2012.

The local low price department store, based on Eglinton Street, was declared open for business by Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Alderman Maurice Bradley, who was invited to perform the official ribbon cutting duties and learn more about the business’ charity pledge to the community.

Store Manager, Timothy Devlin, said: “The Original Factory Shop works hard to be an integral part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community.

“We’ve decided to support just one local cause so that we can really make a big difference to them. As we’re new in Portrush, we’re asking for nominations from anyone who needs a helping hand; whether it’s a local charity, a mothers and toddlers group, a local children’s football team or a support group of whatever kind.”

Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation should fill out a nomination form in store by Friday 4 May saying why they think that they should be The Original Factory Shop’s charity partner in Portrush.

“It’s really that simple,” added Timothy. “We’re looking to start the partnership with our first local cause as soon as possible so we’d like to encourage the whole community to make their nominations to that a truly worthwhile cause can begin to receive some much needed support.”

Colleagues at the store will be planning a programme of activity to raise funds for the chosen cause throughout 2012.

The Original Factory Shop is committed to small town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town shopping centres.

It prides itself on offering smaller communities Quality Brands at factory shop prices.

The Original Factory Shop’s sales strategy is a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of clothing and homewares, much of it made for other well-known retailers but sold for up to 50% off the original selling price.

Shoppers at the 8,000 sq ft store can expect to find a wide range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashions, as well as home wares, electrical goods and toiletries, including a large selection of branded goods – a value product mix that is proving popular in the current retail climate.

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Colleagues at Ballycastle’s newest retailer The Original Factory Shop are aiming to make a difference to the community by choosing one local cause to be its charity partner for 2012.

 The local low price department store, based on Market Street, was declared open for business by Vice Chair of Moyle Council, Councillor Sandra Hunter, and Secretary of the Council, Stephanie McLaughlin who were invited to perform the official ribbon cutting duties and learn more about the business’ charity pledge to the community.

Store Manager, Mark Douglas, said: “The Original Factory Shop works hard to be an integral part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community.

“We’ve decided to support just one local cause so that we can really make a big difference to them. As we’re new in Ballycastle, we’re asking for nominations from anyone who needs a helping hand; whether it’s a local charity, a mothers and toddlers group, a local children’s football team or a support group of whatever kind.”

Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation should fill out a nomination form in store by Friday 4 May saying why they think that they should be The Original Factory Shop’s charity partner in Ballycastle.

“It’s really that simple,” added Mark. “We’re looking to start the partnership with our first local cause as soon as possible so we’d like to encourage the whole community to make their nominations to that a truly worthwhile cause can begin to receive some much needed support.”

Colleagues at the store will be planning a programme of activity to raise funds for the chosen cause throughout 2012.

The Original Factory Shop is committed to small town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town shopping centres. It prides itself on offering smaller communities Quality Brands at factory shop prices. The Original Factory Shop’s sales strategy is a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of clothing and homewares, much of it made for other well-known retailers but sold for up to 50% off the original selling price. Shoppers at the 8,000 sq ft store can expect to find a wide range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashions, as well as home wares, electrical goods and toiletries, including a large selection of branded goods – a value product mix that is proving popular in the current retail climate.

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A SHOP in Staple Hill has chosen a Kingswood pre-school as its designated charity for 2012.

The Original Factory Shop in Broad Street chose Lees Hill Pre-School following an appeal to the community to nominate local causes.

A programme of staff fundraising activity is planned, with a minimum target of £500.

The shop's manager Darren Laity said: "We had a lot of local causes come forward asking for our support.

"On behalf of all of us at The Original Factory Shop, I would like to sincerely thank all the charities who applied to be our partner. After considering each application thoroughly, we think that we can really help to make a difference to Lees Hill Pre-School.

"We are really excited about our partnership and have already given some thoughts to how we could raise plenty of money.

"I'm sure our customers will be right behind us and help us raise much-needed funds for what is a very worthy cause."

The Original Factory Shop in Shirehampton will be supporting Shirehampton Primary School, while the Nailsea shop will be partnered with Acta (Access Creativity Theatre Arts).

The company's Make A Difference In Your Community charity campaign launched in 2010.

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The Original Factory Shop in Bridge Street has chosen Girlguiding UK, Severn Division as its charity partner for 2012 following an appeal to the community to nominate local causes.

A programme of fundraising activities has been planned with a minimum target of £500 to be raised.

Store manager Michelle Newman said a lot of causes had come forward looking for support.

She said: “After considering each application thoroughly, we think that we can really help to make a difference to Girlguiding UK, Severn Division, this year.

“We are really excited about our partnership and have already given some thoughts to how we could raise plenty of money for the group.

“I am sure our customers will once again be right behind us and help us raise much-needed funds for what is a very worthy cause.”

Sue Ganderton, Girlguiding division commissioner for Severn and Teme, said the group was very grateful for the support.

She said: “We are very pleased and very excited about it. We have planned a lot of activities this year, especially for the Olympics and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

“We will be getting the Guides, Brownies and Rainbows all together so the money will really help. The girls were all pleased about the news and they are very grateful to the people for their generosity.”

The Make A Difference In Your Community charity campaign first launched in 2010, raising more than £100,000 for local causes across the UK since.

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STAFF and customers at The Original Factory Shop in Bideford raised £484 for Appledore Gig Rowing Club.

Staff organised regular fundraising events for the club as part of the Original Factory Shop's Make a Difference in Your Community campaign.

Store Manager Mark Lees said: "It's fantastic to know that together with our customers, we've helped to raise a huge amount of money for people in need, including £484 for Appledore Gig Rowing Club here in Bideford.

"We're passionate about supporting causes in our local community close to our store and that's why we carefully chose Appledore Gig Rowing Club as our partner for 2011

"We're hoping to raise even more funds before this year's partnership ends in December."

The store in the High Street will soon be launching a search for a new charity partner for 2012.

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STAFF and customers at The Original Factory Shop in Amesbury have raised £462 for charity.

The shop organised regular fundraising events for the 2nd Amesbury Brownies as part of the Original Factory Shop’s Make a Difference in Your Community campaign.

Shops across the country have raised a total of £100,000 for local charities since it launched in January last year.

Store Manager Lorraine Goodwin said: “It’s fantastic to know that together with our customers we’ve helped to raise a huge amount of money for people in need, including £462 for 2nd Amesbury Brownies here in Amesbury.

“We’re passionate about supporting causes in our local community, close to our store and that's why we carefully chose 2nd Amesbury Brownies as our partner for 2011. We're hoping to raise even more funds before this year’s partnership ends in December.”

The Salisbury Street store will soon be launching a search for a new charity partner for 2012.

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A MARCH shop has donated two suitcases to the town’s brass band to help them carry their instruments to performances.

March Brass 2000 was handed the donation by The Original Factory Shop to help them continue to perform for the community.

Tricia Bagge, the store’s manager, said: “The brass band receives no financial support, so they rely on fundraising events and donations for performances to help them cover their annual expenditure.

“They have been established in our town for a very long time and are an integral part of our community, so we were thrilled to help them out when we heard they were in need of a couple of suitcases.”

March Brass 2000 was originally formed in 1891 and has over 30 members, ranging from nine-year-olds to 70-year-olds. One euphonium player, Ivor Smith, has been playing with the band for almost 60 years

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THE gardening bug has reached epic proportions in Morpeth as a town centre shop reports rocketing sales in ‘grow your own’ products.

The Original Factory Shop in the Market Place has recorded a staggering 165 per cent increase in its summer sales of the Grow Your Own range from the same period last year.

And there is no sign of the trend slowing up, with packets of seeds, mini greenhouses, salad blends and summer flowering bulbs flying off the shelves.

The store now plans to extend its range, investing in 80 per cent more stock for the 2012 season.

Manager Kim Duncan said: “We began to see an increase in sales of our Grow Your Own ranges back in 2010.

“At the time, people were becoming more savvy about where food has come from and what’s in it. Growing your own food seemed to be a low cost way of gaining that knowledge and eating organic food.

“Now it seems to be the greater need to get back to nature that is driving people to start developing their own fruit and veg patches.

“We’ve been delighted to see this trend continue to grow and we’re already planning bigger ranges and more stock for summer 2012.”

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The Original Factory Shop in Monifieth has reported a massive increase in the sale of products aimed at those who want to create a little of "The Good Life" in their own gardens.

Store manager Karen Rennie said sales of the range have rocketed by 165%.

"We began to see an increase in sales of our Grow Your Own ranges back in 2009. At the time, people were becoming more savvy about where food has come from and what's in it.

"Growing your own food seemed to be a low-cost way of gaining that knowledge and eating organic food. Now it seems to be the greater need to get back nature that is driving people to start developing their own fruit and veg patches."

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While uptake of internet at home has risen massively in the last decade and more and more people are going online to make purchases, it is often forgotten than some people are still not able or willing to buy online, and that’s still a sizeable market to be missing out on.

So one homeware retailer has decided to combine the best of shop with online by enabling customers to shop online while they are inside the phsyical store.

The Lancashire-based firm, The Original Factory Shop, are retailers of everything from furniture, through electricals, to clothing. They began trading in 1969 selling surplus orders and seconds from Marks & Spencer but have this summer begun rolling out an instore ‘webshop’ terminal in stores.

The system allows customers to browse the full website range online (much wider than the range instore) and choose what they would like. Orders can then be placed and purchases paid for at the store counter (meaning customers can pay without the need of a credit card that is often a barrier to buying online). Just like an online order purchases are then delivered to the customers home in due course.

It’s an interesting concept and not one likely to break the bank. Most retail outlets now equipped with internet access and the cost of a terminal to operate the ‘site’ on the concept could be quickly rolled out to many businesses. Many people still don’t have an email address or even a credit or debit card and even those that do are often reluctant to hand over that information over the internet.

Giving them this opportunity gives them an opportunity to see what it is all about without scaring them. It will be interesting to see if more retailers follow suit and for those that do, how they address the issue of price differentials between web and in-store.

Read the article here.

A Maryport company has developed a way its customers can shop online – without using the internet.

The Original Factory Shop is offering access to extended online offers by ordering in store. Bestsellers from the online exclusive ranges include beds, outdoor toys, furniture and electronics.

The new development enables customers to order and pay for goods from the website at the tills, by cash if they want to. It is aimed at people who don’t have access to the internet or a credit card.

Purchases will then be delivered to their homes.

Store manager Mark Hodgson said: “The UK has seen phenomenal growth in online retail over the past year and this is a great way to make all of our deals accessible to those without internet access, an email address or a credit or debit card. This will particularly help shoppers who don’t have access to, or prefer not to shop online.”

The launch of the new service at the local low price department store at Senhouse Street coincides with the retailer’s biggest-ever week for online sales last week.

The Original Factory Shop’s website experienced a record number of sales last week.The Original Factory Shop also has a branch in Wigton

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A low price department store chain is creating 20 jobs in Warrenpoint, County Down.

The Original Factory Shop is opening a new store on Newry Road at the redundant Freshfields site in August.

The company is investing £250,000 into the project.

The chain, which has over 170 sites across the UK, said it is committed to small town centre shopping when many others stores are moving to out-of-town centres.

The Original Factory Shop sells clothing, footwear, homewares and electrical products from top brands at up to 70% off the recommended retail price.

As well as top brands, the store will stock many products made originally for other high street retailers, but now being sold at a fraction of the price.

Mark Dodington, acquisitions manager of The Original Factory Shop, said he was confident that the store will "breathe new life" into Warrenpoint.

He said that in the current testing economic times, it will play a very important role in the local community.

The Original Factory Shop was established in 1969 as part of Peter Black's, selling surplus M&S stock.

It operates 170 stores and employees 2,600 staff.

It has a turnover of over £132m and in 2010 announced its fifth consecutive year of double digit profit growth.

It is one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK

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THE Original Factory Shop in Crewkerne has presented £260 to the Ferne Animal Sanctuary.

The shop chose Ferne, which is based at Chard, as its charity for the year and collected donations from staff and customers.

Ferne director Jenny Wheadon said: “I would like to thank everyone at the Factory Shop for their wonderful support.”

Jenny is pictured receiving the cheque from the Original Factory Shop's Rachel Male.

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A NATIONAL retailer has revealed it is looking to open a new store in Millom.

The Original Factory Shop has more than 160 stores across the country and bosses have said they would ‘love’ to open a store in Millom.

Up to 25 jobs would be created if the chain opens in South Copeland.

The Original Factory Shop sells everything from beds to trainers and could offer shoppers in South Copeland extra incentives to visit the town.

It is thought one of the potential sites under consideration is the former Millom Builders’ Merchant in Wellington Street, although the company declined to comment.

Colin Leggatt, of the Factory Shop, said: “Millom is a town we would love to be in but as yet have not been able to find a suitable property.

“We have enquired about a couple of properties and as I said we would be delighted if we could find something suitable.

“We like to open in small towns and communities under-served by national retailers.

“We bring people back into the centre and give people a reason to shop local – offering products not normally available without travelling.

“It is part of our ongoing expansion strategy – we have a target of 500 to 600 stores.”

Councillors have welcomed the news of a new business looking to move in to the town.

Councillor Doug Wilson, who helped organise the My Millom, Proud To Be...Open For Business event on Friday, has been spearheading a campaign to bring new traders to the town.

He said: “It would be good (if they opened in Millom).

“There has been talk for a while of somebody being interested in the old Co-op building, whether it was them or not I’m not sure.

“Any business coming in to the town would be a good thing and you can only welcome that.”

Arthur Ferguson owns Ferguson’s General Store in Wellington Street, Millom, and has been trading in the town for around 50 years.

Mr Ferguson sells a similar range of products, but said he is undeterred by the potential arrival of a national chain just yards from his door.

He said: “Competitors come and go. There isn’t much business in Millom.

“We’ve had a lot over the years. A man came and set up selling clothing near the Bridge Café. He set his stuff out once and we never saw him again.

“Something like this is just business. I would like to see it when it opens.”

Austin Storry who owns McMeekins Greengrocer, in Wellington Street, said: “At the end of the day, anything that brings another business into the town is a good thing, especially if it fills an empty property.”

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Published on Tuesday 19 April 2011 01:00

STORE staff in Morpeth have helped their company to a national award

The Original Factory Shop has been named Growing Retailer of the Year at the Retail Week Awards.

The company has stores in small market towns and tourist destinations, selling a mix of high street brands at discounted prices, products made for big name retailers and own brands.

In the past two years its sales have grown by 73 per cent, while the store network has increased from 99 to 162.

Morpeth store Manager Kim Duncan said: “We feel very proud to have been named Growing Retailer of the Year. It is dedicated to all the colleagues at the store and to our loyal customers who have been behind us from day one.”

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Published on Tuesday 22 March 2011 01:00

FUND-RAISING is setting off at a canter at a Morpeth store as staff collect cash for the Pegasus Riding for the Disabled Centre.

Staff at the Morpeth branch of The Original Factory Shop have chosen the Tranwell-based charity as their partner for 2011 in the company’s Make A Difference campaign.

A programme of fund-raising activities will run throughout the year and a minimum target of collecting £500 has been set.

Store Manager Kim Duncan said: “We had a lot of local causes come forward this year. It wasn’t an easy decision, but after considering each application carefully, we thought that we could really make a difference to the Pegasus Centre in 2011.

“Colleagues have got behind the campaign and we have lots of ideas that worked well last year, but we couldn’t do it without the support of our loyal customers and for that we are very grateful.”

The Make A Difference scheme was launched by the national chain last year, providing more than £50,000 for local causes across the UK

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By ROBERT GIBSON

Published at 09:08, Monday, 28 March 2011

THE Original Factory Shop, which has a store in Prudhoe, has been named Growing Retailer of the Year at the recent Retail Week Awards.

The cut-price department store beat off stiff competition in the category, by illustrating how a unique sales strategy had helped it expand rapidly.

The company, which tends to focus on small market towns and tourist destinations, sells well-known brands at discounted prices, together with a range of own-brand products.

Over the past two years, it has seen a staggering growth in sales, while the store network has increased from 99 to 162.

Manager at the Prudhoe store Christy Fagan said: “We feel very proud to have been named Growing Retailer of the Year.

“It is dedicated to all the colleagues at the store, and to our local customers who have been behind us from day one.”

The Retail Week Awards are judged by a panel that includes Andy Clarke, chief executive of the Asda group, Simon Fox of HMV and Stephen Sunnucks, president of Gap Europe.

The awards ceremony was attended by over 1,600 of the UK’s top retailers.

Chief executive of The Original Factory Shop, Angela Spindler said: “It’s fantastic to have received this award.

“It is a reflection of how unique our proposition is.

“It also recognises the incredible amount of hard work and effort our teams have consistently put in.”

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A NEW store has opened its doors in Bargoed town centre, bringing more good news to the town.

The Original Factory Shop has launched its new outlet in the former Woolworths building following an extensive re-fit of the store.

Councillor Ron Davies, CCBC cabinet member for regeneration welcomed the news.

He said “Bargoed town centre is experiencing a major transformation thanks to the range of regeneration projects underway at the moment. The decision by the Original Factory Shop to invest in the town is fantastic news and demonstrates a new found confidence in Bargoed.”

“The building enjoys a key location within the town centre and will also benefit from the new bus station development and the new pedestrian link being created in close proximity to the site. I’m sure traders and residents will join us in welcoming this new addition.”

Marketing director Colin Leggatt said: “The Original Factory Shop is very pleased to open up at the old Woolworths site in Bargoed. We’ll bring unbeatable value to the high street and will play an active role in the local community.”

See the Article here

A new store has opened its doors in Bargoed bringing even more good news to the town centre. The Original Factory Shop has launched its new outlet in the former Woolworths building following an extensive re-fit of the store.

Cllr Ron Davies, CCCB cabinet member for regeneration welcomed the news, “Bargoed town centre is experiencing a major transformation thanks to the range of regeneration projects underway at the moment. The decision by the Original Factory Shop to invest in the town is fantastic news and demonstrates a new found confidence in Bargoed.”

“The building enjoys a key location within the town centre and will also benefit from the new bus station development and the new pedestrian link being created in close proximity to the site. I’m sure traders and residents will join us in welcoming this new addition to the town centre,” added Cllr Davies.

Marketing Director Colin Leggatt said: “The Original Factory Shop is very pleased to open up at the old Woolworths site in Bargoed. We’ll bring unbeatable value and choice to the high street and will play an active role in the local community.”

The premises, which boasts the largest retail floor space in the town, was purchased by the council using Heads of the Valleys funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Original Factory Shop’s sales strategy is a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of clothing made for big name fashion retailers but sold for a fraction of the price, and own-brand products. Bargoed shoppers can expect to see household name brands such as Adidas, Trespass, Regatta, Vax, Silentnight, L’Oreal, Elizabeth Arden and Rimmel – all at knockdown prices.

For more information about developments in Bargoed town centre visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bargoedsbigidea or call Andrew Highway, Town Centre Development Manager on 01443 866213.

See the Article here

Barnfield Construction has secured a deal to build a 100,000 sq ft extension to The Original Factory Shop’s headquarters in Burnley.

The design and build contract, due to be carried out over the next five months, will nearly double the company’s head office space on the Orient Business Park.

Tim Webber, managing director at Barnfield, said: “We previously owned all of the land that the head office is situated on, having built the unit for Vita Achter some years previously, but sold a proportion three years ago to Alpinemoor Pension Fund.

“To complete the deal with The Original Factory Shop, Barnfield Construction reacquired 40,000 sq ft of warehousing and associated land at the site. We are delighted with the outcome of this agreement.”

The agreement was handled by James Horsley of the Yorkshire Property Company and Mark Bruce Lockhart of real estate investment consultancy Phillips Lockhart.

The Original Factory Shop has more than 160 stores and 2,600 employees. In January, the company revealed record sales over the Christmas period, achieving its highest-ever sales in a day on 23 December, only to break the figure by 8 per cent the following day.

Sales rose 23 per cent over the six weeks to 26 December compared with the same period in 2009. It sold more than 100,000 pairs of wellington boots as the snowy weather produced a surge in demand.

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24 Feb 2011 by Insider Media Limited

THE former Woolworth's store in Bargoed, which closed in January 2009, will re-open as the Original Factory Shop, a national retail store.

A lease has now been signed to take over the building and an extensive re-fit is currently taking place within the store.

Cllr Ron Davies, CCCB cabinet member for regeneration said: "Bargoed town centre is experiencing a major transformation thanks to the range of regeneration projects underway at the moment. The decision by the Original Factory Shop to invest in the town is fantastic news and demonstrates a new found confidence in Bargoed.

"The building enjoys a key location within the town centre and will also benefit from the new bus station development and the new pedestrian link being created in close proximity to the site. The premises, which boasts the largest retail floor space in the town, was purchased by the council using Heads of the Valleys funding from the Welsh Assembly Government.

The ongoing regeneration of Bargoed town centre is a key priority for Caerphilly county borough council.

The multi-million pound Greater Bargoed Community Regeneration Scheme involves a number of projects such as the recently opened 'Angel Way' road scheme, improvements to the public transport infrastructure and town centre enhancement works. Advanced negotiations are also underway to secure a major retail and leisure development in the town and it is hoped that an announcement will be made in the near future.

The Original Factory Shop has stores nationwide offering a wide range of merchandise - ladieswear, menswear, kidswear, sportswear, electricals, housewares, toys, beauty and fragrance - all discounted. Most of the products sold by the firm are either branded or originally made for other high street stores and supermarkets.

For more information about developments in Bargoed town centre visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bargoedsbigidea or call Andrew Highway, Town Centre Development Manager on 01443 866213.

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22 Feb 2011 by Campaign

FACE painting and fancy dress got shoppers into the fundraising mood to benefit a cause close to the hearts of people in Bishop's Cleeve.

The Original Factory Shop in Tobyfield Road has chosen to make a difference to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust by picking it as its new charity partner for 2011.

Store manager, Sarah Fisher, was inspired by the bravery of little Chloe Reynolds, who has cystic fibrosis.

The four-year-old, from Bishop's Cleeve, was in the shop on Saturday with her mum Lorna Dutton.

Lorna, who rolled up her sleeves and helped paint faces, said: "It's a great cause.

"Chloe has her ups and downs, but she's getting on okay at the moment."

A programme of fundraising activities has been planned and staff hope to raise a minimum of £500 for the charity throughout the year.

This week, shoppers will take part in a raffle, with the chance of winning a children's bicycle and a selection of toys.

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22 Feb 2011 by This is Gloucestershire

SOARING sales at the Original Factory Shop in Lydney have helped the business buck the national trend.

The high street department store has announced a 23 per cent rise in sales in the run-up to Christmas, including record sales of Wellington boots and advent calendars.

Lydney store manager Mark Williams said: "We are delighted with the contribution the Lydney store made to the company's trading over the Christmas period."

The low-price shop, in the old Woolworths on Newerne Street, has just announced that its local charity for the coming year will be LydneyDial-a-Ride.
 

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14 Feb 2011 by This is Gloucestershire

THE regeneration of a Rhymney Valley town took another big step forward yesterday when a national retailer announced it would be opening a store there.

A lease has been signed by The Original Factory Shop to take over the old Woolworths building in the centre of Bargoed. The shop will sell discounted clothes, toys and electrical goods.

The securing of an anchor store for the town centre is the latest success in the town’s regeneration scheme, which the council say will transform the town centre.

Councillor Ron Davies, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Bargoed town centre is experiencing a major transformation thanks to the range of regeneration projects underway at the moment. The decision by the Original Factory Shop to invest in the town is fantastic news and demonstrates a new found confidence in Bargoed.

“The building enjoys a key location within the town centre and will also benefit from the new bus station development and the new pedestrian link being created in close proximity to the site. I’m sure traders and residents will join us in welcoming this new addition to the town centre and we look forward to the store opening in the coming weeks.”

The council say that advanced negotiations are also underway to secure a major retail and leisure development in the town. They say an announcement will be made on it in the near future.

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11 Feb 2011 by Wales Online

MOVES to breathe new life into Bargoed shopping centre have been lifted with the re-occupation of the old Woolworth’s store at the heart of the town.

National retailer The Original Factory Shop has signed a lease to take over the key building and an extensive re-fit is underway.

So the largest store in the town – empty since the demise of the Woolworths chain at the end of 2008 – will finally reopen its doors to customers.

The Original Factory Shop offers discounted branded goods from clothing to electricals, housewares, toys, beauty and fragrance. 

That’s happened in the wake of an £8.3m regeneration scheme with a new bus station, the transformation of the Hanbury Road baptist chapel into a library and further enhancements on High Street and Upper High Street with better pavements, public artwork and improved public spaces.

 That followed the £25m Angel Way road scheme and public transport improvements infrastructure while advanced negotiations are underway to secure a major retail and leisure development for the town with an announcement expected in the near future.

Caerphilly council’s cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Ron Davies said: “Bargoed town centre is experiencing a major transformation thanks to the range of regeneration projects underway at the moment.

“The decision by the Original Factory Shop to invest in the town is fantastic news and demonstrates a new found confidence in Bargoed.

“I’m sure traders and residents will join us in welcoming this new addition to the town centre and we look forward to the store opening in the coming weeks,” he said. 

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10 Feb 2011 by Wales online.co.uk

Record sales of Wellington boots and advent calendars helped two Cumbrian discount stores contribute to a bumper Christmas for their owner.

The Original Factory Shop stores at Wigton and Maryport contributed to a five per cent rise in like-for-like sales for the firm in the six weeks to December 26.

The company said the results were particularly impressive given the severe weather in December which blighted the sales of high street rivals.

The retailer enjoyed two consecutive record sales days on December 23 and Christmas Eve.

Strong sales of outdoor clothing, footwear and accessories boosted its performance in the six-week period, including shifting 100,000 Wellington boots.

And healthy sales of advent calendars also contributed, with advent calendars for pets outselling the human variety by three to one.

Original Factory Shop area manager Pauline McCorquodale said: “We are delighted with the contribution the Maryport and Wigton stores have made to the company’s trading over the Christmas period.

“We were undoubtedly impacted by the severe weather conditions, however, the combination of our loyal customers still coming out to shop and our ever committed colleagues still coming to work meant that we were still able to deliver an excellent trading performance.

“We saw particularly strong gift sales in the final week before Christmas as customers chose to shop locally for stocking fillers.

“Over the past two years, the company has grown sales 73 per cent, or 17.1 per cent on a like-for-like basis, and our store network has increased from 99 to 160 today.

“We remain excited about the long-term growth opportunities for the company.”

Bosses plan to open another 35 stores this year, taking the company’s network to nearly 200.

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08 Feb 2011 by Cumberland News

An appeal to restore Shirehampton's Tithe Barn received a fundraising boost this week as local shop workers pledged their support.

Staff at the Original Factory Shop, in High Street, have chosen the charity as their official partner for 2010, aiming to raise at least £500 with a series of events.

Store manager Ashley West said: "We had a great deal of interest in the campaign from local causes looking for a helping hand and it was a very difficult decision to make.

"Colleagues are very excited about the scheme and cannot wait to get stuck into the fundraising initiatives we have planned.

"Customers will have the chance to join in the fun in store to help us raise as much money as we can for this worthy cause."

On behalf of St Mary's Church, Tithe Barn Appeal Manager, James Harris said: "We are so grateful to the Original Factory Shop for picking us as their charity partner. The money they have raised this week will contribute towards bringing the Tithe Barn back into use for the benefit of the local community."
 

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The Original Factory Shop, the discount retailer, delivered a 5 per cent spike in underlying sales over Christmas, following a surge in demand for Wellington boots during the cold snap.

The chain, which is owned by the private equity firm Duke Street, sold more than 100,000 wellies over the six weeks to 26 December, an average of one pair every nine seconds.

Total sales at Original Factory Shop's more than 160 UK outlets jumped by 23 per cent and by 5 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

While footfall into its high street stores was affected by the snow, shoppers stepped up their purchases of gifts and items such as fleeces.

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18 Jan 2011 by The Independant

Discount retail chain The Original Factory Shop said it broke sales records over Christmas as the extreme weather boosted demand for outdoor clothing and wellies.

The Burnley-based group, which operates more than 160 stores across the UK, racked up its highest-ever sales in a day on December 23, only to smash this figure by eight per cent the following day.

It sold more than 100,000 wellington boots over the Christmas period - an average of a pair every nine seconds - as the snowy weather caused an unprecedented surge in orders.

OFS said sales rose 23 per cent over the six weeks to December 26 compared with the previous year, with like-for-like sales up five per cent.

Chief executive Angela Spindler said: "As a business with stores across most regions in the UK, we were undoubtedly impacted by the severe weather conditions.

"However, the combination of our loyal customers still coming out to shop and our ever-committed colleagues still coming to work meant that we were still able to deliver an excellent trading performance."

She said the company benefited from particularly strong sales of gift items in the final week before Christmas as customers chose to shop locally for stocking fillers.

The retailer also reported record sales of advent calendars, with those designed for pets proving three times as popular as traditional calendars.

Original Factory Shop opened 31 stores in 2010 and plans to open 35 this year, which will bring its total to nearly 200. Original aid shopper numbers were reduced by the snowfall, but those able to reach the stores bought more gifts and essential items.

Electric heaters, fleeces, jackets and socks sold well, according to the firm. It claims to be one of the fastest growing retailers in the UK after increasing its sales by 73 per cent and its store numbers from 99 to more than 160 over the past two years.

Original has identified another 400 locations in which it believes it could trade and is in the process of doubling the size of its warehouse in Burnley to service its expansion plans.

The chain started life in 1969 as an outlet for unsold Marks & Spencer stock and is owned by private equity firm Duke Street. It currently has about 2,600 employees and annual revenues of more than £132m.

It reported double-digit profits growth in 2010 for the fifth year in a row.
 

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18 Jan 2011 by Manchester Evening News

General retail chain The Original Factory Shop said it broke sales records over Christmas as the extreme weather boosted demand for outdoor clothing and wellies.

The group, which operates more than 160 stores across the UK, racked up its highest-ever sales in a day on December 23, only to smash this figure by 8% the following day.

It sold more than 100,000 pairs of wellington boots over the Christmas period - an average of a pair every nine seconds - as the snowy weather caused an unprecedented surge in orders.

The Burnley-based group said sales rose 23% over the six weeks to December 26 compared with the previous year, with like-for-like sales up 5%.

Chief executive Angela Spindler said: "As a business with stores across most regions in the UK, we were undoubtedly impacted by the severe weather conditions.

"However, the combination of our loyal customers still coming out to shop and our ever-committed colleagues still coming to work meant that we were still able to deliver an excellent trading performance."

She said the company benefited from particularly strong sales of gift items in the final week before Christmas as customers chose to shop locally for stocking fillers.

The retailer reported record sales of advent calendars, with those designed for pets proving three times as popular as traditional calendars.

Original - which sells discounted brands - said shopper numbers were reduced by the snowfall, but those able to reach the stores bought more gifts and essential items. Electric heaters, fleeces, jackets and socks sold well, according to the firm.

Original Factory Shop opened 31 stores in 2010 and plans to open 35 this year, which will bring its total to nearly 200.
 

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18 Jan 2011 by Press Association

Accessible high street locations and shoppers in search of a bargain combined to produce record Christmas sales for the Original Factory Shop, in spite of the snowy weather.

The chain, which is owned by private equity group Duke Street, sells discounted branded merchandise and homewares reported a 5 per cent like-for-like sales increase in the six weeks to December 26, rising to 23 per cent when including the contribution from newly opened stores. This is in stark contrast to larger national multiples, which have blamed the snows for negative trading figures.

The bad weather did not prevent the opening of eight new stores in the period, taking the total of stores opened this year to 31. All trade from local high street locations, and Angela Spindler, chief executive, said higher levels of walk-up trade had been a clear advantage.

"Obviously footfall was down in the snows, but because we're a local retailer, those people who could get to us really increased their spend, buying gifts and stocking up on essentials," she said. Electric heaters, fleeces, jackets and socks all did well, and wellington boots were being sold at the rate of one pair every nine seconds.

In December, the surprise best-seller was advent calendars for pets, which outsold the human version at a ratio of three-to-one. "People might be feeling the pinch but they won't stint on giving their pets a treat," she added.

Ms Spindler, the former managing director of Debenhams (LSE: DEB.L - news) , believes the motivation to bag a bargain is driving custom to the store, which announced its fifth consecutive year of profit growth last year.

"Because a significant part of our offer is discounted brands, shoppers think they're getting value for money, rather than just a cheap product," she said. "We also believe the local dimension will help us in 2011, as petrol prices rise and it gets more expensive to shop further afield." She (news) added the Original Factory Shop will not pass on the cost of the VAT increase until the end of January.

The group hopes to secure some bargain rents on Britain's increasingly desolate high streets this year, with an ambitious target of opening 35 stores, taking its total number of outlets to nearly 200. These will include up to six in Northern Ireland, and a large number in smaller coastal towns that are popular low-cost holiday destinations.

"There is not a lot of competition for our sites, and our model is predicated on paying rock-bottom rents," Ms Spindler said. "We feel we bring something to smaller high streets where other stores have closed down. The fact that sales are working very well is as much to do with our product offer as the catchment area of these isolated local towns," she said.

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ANGELA Spindler admits to being a bit baffled when The Original Factory Shop's private equity owners first approached her.

Spindler, who spent 10 years in senior positions at supermarket giant Asda, was battling through an ill-timed stint as managing director of Debenhams when the offer to run the small northern-based value retailer came through in late 2008.

"My first response was I've never heard of it and I've been in retail for 15 years," she said.

Duke Street Capital, which bought the business for £68.5m in 2007, was persuasive.

"I decided to have a look. I got more and more keen on the idea. I could really see the potential. It seemed very appropriate to the recession."

In January 2009 she joined TOFS – as it is known in-house – succeeding George Foster as chief executive and putting in some of her own money.

"From the day I made the decision I did not ever regret it or look back. Instinctively I knew it was the right thing to do."

Spindler knew she had a culture shock coming. From dining at the top table of UK retail, she was suddenly heading a value retailer selling everything from slow cookers to slippers. The days of sycophantic assistants falling at her feet were over.

"I've been a big fish in a big pond," said Spindler, who lives in Halifax with her family. "Now I'm a small fish in a small pond.

"To me it is really small. I knew I was going to miss, or was concerned I might miss that infrastructure.

"When you join a small business you've got to do it yourself. But I was always quite hands-on."

Spindler was one of the Mars generation who joined Leeds-based Asda in the Archie Norman/Allan Leighton era, helping revive its fortunes.

She worked at Mars in sales and marketing and was trading director of its pet food division when Mr Leighton came calling in 1997.

Other Mars recruits included Richard Baker, who went on to head Boots, current Sainsbury's chief executive Justin King and David Cheesewright, Wal-Mart's Canada boss.

Spindler said the "non-hierarchical" Mars ethos translated well to Asda. "(It was) the idea of an upside-down philosophy where the most important person is the person on the shop floor," she said. "They are direct channels to customers and if the tills are not ringing you're not doing any business."

Spindler started out in chilled food at the supermarket, developing its claim to be "Britain's biggest takeaway."

Asda's meritocracy prevailed – "I kept on adding responsibilities" – with Spindler joining the management board and being made responsible for all fresh food.

She rubbed shoulders with other retail heavyweights and is still friends with Andy Hornby, the current Boots chief executive, who left Asda to run Halifax Bank of Scotland until its collapse.

The job of store development director was followed by trading and marketing director, and Spindler helped re-focus Asda on "every day low prices" rather than promotions.

When Andy Bond was appointed chief executive in 2005, he asked Spindler to head the George fashion brand.

George was an autonomous unit, with its own management team, charged with bringing fast, affordable fashion to the masses.

"That's when I got the fashion bug," she said. She met the young Coleen Rooney, now wife of Manchester United and England footballer Wayne Rooney, signing her up to front George.

"Before we signed her up she was not really in the public eye as a fashion icon," said Spindler. "Asda was really the start for her. She was very young at the time and I think she learned an enormous amount. I could tell she had a lot of potential."

When the Debenhams managing director opportunity arose, she leapt at the chance to take on a pure fashion role, re-developing and re-energising the department store chain.

But the banking crisis made it a short-lived appointment and Spindler left after 10 months. A growth strategy had been replaced with a firefighting role.

"The world became a very different place and Debenhams, like every other retailer, had to cut costs and keep heads down and get through the recession.

"While my timing was shocking I don't think I would have had the confidence to this (without it). I don't for one second regret it."

Spindler hasn't taken across the Asda "colleague" approach to The Original Factory Shop. "It needs to and can develop its own language and culture," she said. "I don't want to run it like Asda; it's a totally different business."

The Original Factory Shop has indeed carved out a fairly unique niche.

It shuns busy city centres or out-of-town shopping centres where its brand might struggle to get noticed, instead opting for small market towns with little competition.

"It's all about regenerating the little town," said Spindler. "We set ourselves up to be the best store in town.

"We sell pretty much everything you might want. It's breadth rather than depth."

It's a value retailer, but Spindler argues this is not to the detriment of quality. Brands such as Yves Saint Laurent sit comfortably on its shelves. Stores sell a broad range of goods, including some non-perishable food.

The Burnley-based firm, which opened its first store in Keighley in 1969, was established as an outlet for Peter Black's, selling factory seconds, including some Marks & Spencer lines.

Since Spindler joined it has almost doubled from 87 stores to 160.

It capitalised on the demise of Woolworths to snap up prime sites and is opening at least a store a week at the moment. Spindler is confident it can have 600 stores.

Towns with populations of 10,000 to 15,000, often neglected by larger retailers, fit its profile perfectly.

"We've had people hugging the store development guy; people are so delighted.

"We're opening up boarded-up, under-used retail spaces. We're bringing footfall.

"It's a unique model that's working really well because customers love it."

I met Spindler in the central London offices of Duke Street as snow blanketed the country. She insisted none of its stores have been forced to close by the snow, with staff pulling together to keep them open.

The buyout group has lined up Rothschilds to assess "all kinds of options".

"There's no immediate plan for us to exit the business," insisted Spindler. "They are just working with us to advise us for the medium to long-term."

She said her plan is to "carry on doing this", developing the chain's footprint. Annual sales last hit £132m and underlying earnings were £14.7m.

She plans to add sales channels such as online retailing. The Original Factory Store has launched its own clothing labels, broadcast its first TV ad, and a flotation could even be on the cards.

But will Spindler eventually be lured away, unable to resist the glamour of a big retailer?

"They say 'Never say never," she said. "I'm saying never.

"Everybody in retail gets it. Andy (Hornby) definitely gets it. It's only people on the outside looking in (who do not)."
 

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29 Dec 2010 by Yorkshire Post

Community groups in Trowbridge, Warminster, Melksham and Corsham could benefit from charitable donations by the Original Factory Shop.

Following this year’s success, the Original Factory Shop, which has branches in the four towns, is launching its ‘Make A Difference’ campaign for 2011 and is appealing for local causes to get in touch.

The campaign aims to help as many causes in the community as possible by focusing on one a year.

Staff at the stores have been fundraising throughout 2010. Each store has a minimum target of £500 and this year’s organisations to benefit were the Monday and Wednesday Club in Trowbridge, the Warminster Cricket Club girls team, Melksham PHAB, and the St Bartholomew’s Church Spire Appeal in Corsham.

A new organisation will be supported from January 1 with a year long programme of fundraising activities .

Katharine Sage, manager at the Trowbridge store at 36/37 Roundstone Street, said: “We’re asking for nominations from anyone who needs a helping hand, whether it’s a mothers and toddlers group, a local children’s football team or a support group of whatever kind.”

Anyone wishing to nominate an organisation should drop in to their nearest store and fill out a nomination form. The deadline is Friday.

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24 Nov 2010 by Wiltshire Times

AROUND a dozen jobs are being created in Ripley with the opening of a new department store.

The Original Factory Shop has signed a 15-year lease on premises in Grosvenor Road.

The chain has 146 shops across the UK, selling branded items or goods including clothes, kitchenware, home furnishings, toys and fragrances originally made for big high-street names.

Acquisitions manager Mark Dodington said: "We trade in small market towns and deliver a wide range of products.
 

"We are confident we will do well in Ripley.

"We are currently recruiting staff and hope to open the shop in three weeks' time."
 

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22 Nov 2010 by This is Derbyshire

Around 12 jobs are being created with the opening of The Original Factory Shop in Ripley.

Tom Strawson of Nottingham property agent heb has successful assigned the 21 year lease of 15 Grosvenor Road to the Original Factory Shop.

He said: "We are delighted to have assigned this lease and to secure The Original Factory Shop. Bringing this reputable retailer to Ripley will boost the town's retail offering."

Acquisitions manager for The Factory Shop, Mark Dodington, said: "We trade in small market towns and deliver a wide range of products.

"We are confident we will do well here as a big fish in a small pool of competitors to what we do.

"In the order of 12 jobs will be created and we will open in about three weeks time."

The department store, which has 146 shops across the UK, sells branded items or goods originally made for high street favourites.

It offers a new choice for people unable to get to larger towns or factory outlets, selling footwear, ladieswear, menswear, hardware and kitchenware, home furnishings, toys, children's wear, beauty and fragrance and other goods.

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19 Nov 2010 by Midlands Business News

The Wells branch of a national chain store is looking for a local charity or community group to support.

Following the success of its 2010 campaign, The Original Factory Shop is launching its 'Make A Difference' campaign for 2011 and is appealing to local causes to get in touch.

The campaign hopes to help as many causes in the community as possible by focusing on one a year.

Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation simply has to drop into the store at 41 High Street in the city and fill out a nomination form.

Colleagues at the store have been fundraising throughout 2010 for 2nd Wells Brownies.

A new organisation will be supported from January 1 with a year long programme of fundraising activity planned.

There is a minimum target of £500 looking to be raised for the chosen charity.

Store manager Phillip Need said: "The support we have had from the community has been fantastic and local people are really getting behind the campaign.

"We're asking for nominations and it really can be from anyone in Wells who needs a helping hand, whether it's a mothers and toddlers group, a local children's football team or a support group of whatever kind."

The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 26.

The company has raised £50,000 so far this year for more than 140 local causes UK wide.

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19 Nov 2010 by This is Somerset

Original Factory Shop plans to make a difference

THE Original Factory Shop Crewkerne is launching its Make A Difference campaign for 2011 and is appealing to local causes to get in touch.

The campaign hopes to help as many causes in the community as possible by focusing on one a year. Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation simply has to drop into the store at The Old Textile Mill in the town and fill out a nomination form.

Colleagues at the store have been fundraising throughout 2010 for The Speedwell Club. A new organisation will be supported from January 1 with a year-long programme of fundraising activity planned. There is a minimum target of £500 looking to be raised for the chosen charity.

Store manager, Kerry Loveridge, said: “The support we have had from the community has been fantastic and local people are really getting behind the campaign.

“We’re asking for nominations and it really can be from anyone in Crewkerne who needs a helping hand, whether it’s a mothers and toddlers group, a local children’s football team or a support group of whatever kind.”

The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 26.

The company has raised a staggering £50,000 so far this year for over 140 local causes UK-wide.

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18 Nov 2010 by Yeovil Express

A COMMUNITY charity campaign in Whittlesey has raised over £1,000 for the Scaldgate Club, which supports adults with learning difficulties.

The Original Factory Shop smashed this year’s target of £500 for the ‘Make a Difference in Your Community’ campaign that started in January, and donations will be taken until Christmas for the club.

Staff at the Whittlesey shop have been leading the campaign, arranging fundraising activities including fancy dress, raffles, and sponsored events.

Store Manager Julie Wightman said: “We’ve all worked hard to raise this money for Scaldgate Club, but as such a deserving cause, everyone in the town has been right behind us. Customers have been fantastic and we are very grateful for all their support. Let’s hope all our efforts will help to make a difference to local people need in the community.”

Scaldgate treasurer Ann Taylor, and support worker Laura Smyth today joined Julie and Factory Shop employee Yvonne Bains, to celebrate the money raised.

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18 Nov 2010 by Cambs Times

THE ORIGINAL Factory Shop in Bodmin had a Wear It Pink Day to raise money for Breast Cancer.
Manager Sandra Kane said: "The staff dressed up and made a donation to the charity, we also sold cup-cakes, baked by the staff and had a prize draw. We raised £155. Thank you to everyone who supported us for this worthy cause."
 

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18 Nov 2010 by South West Business

A SHOP in Shirehampton is appealing for local causes to win the chance to be their chosen charity for the year.

Following the success of its 2010 campaign, The Original Factory Shop Shirehampton is launching its Make A Difference campaign for 2011.

The campaign hopes to help causes in the community by focusing on a different one each year. Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation simply has to drop into the store at 36 High Street and fill out a nomination form.

Throughout the year staff at the store have been fundraising for Shirehampton Tithe Barn App
Store manager Ashley West said: "The support we have had from the community has been fantastic.

"We're asking for nominations and it really can be from anyone in Shirehampton who needs a helping hand, whether it's a mothers and toddlers group, a local children's football team or a support group of whatever kind."

The deadline for nominations is Friday.

 Click for link.

16 Nov 2010 by Evening Post (This is Bristol)

TRADERS and shoppers breathed a sigh of relief this week after it was announced that a new lease of life is set to be injected into a prime retail location just before Christmas.

For almost two years, the empty Woolworths store in Pool Street has been a talking point amongst Caernarfon residents with many showing concern that it was one of the fallen high street giant’s only local branches not to have been bought up by investors.

That all changed this week when it was revealed that the Original Factory Shop, a department store chain, is set to open its doors at the site before Christmas creating 20 jobs in the process.

Original Factory Shop area manager Lee West said: "We’ve had our eye on the building for quite some time now but we are only now in a position to announce we are about to take it over.

"We’ve taken over old Woolworths stores in Porthmadog and Pwllheli as well as a variety of other locations and we have found that they have been doing very well and we hope the same will happen with the Caernarfon store."

"Of course there will be some competition with other businesses but we have chosen Caernarfon specifically because there is virtually no competition in the field and therefore we feel that we wouldn’t be in direct competition with other outlets.

"What we have found with the Factory Shop outlets is that they tend to increase footfall in a particular area and we do find that this does in many cases benefit local businesses."

Woolworths closed its Caernarfon, Pwllheli and Porthmadog stores, on January 2, 2009, with the loss of more than 100 jobs locally.

Work has already started on converting the Pool street building into a fit for purpose store with firm bosses hoping to throw open its doors by December 11.

Store bosses say that they plan to spread their wares over two floors making it a bigger retail attraction than the old Woolworths.

It is anticipated that the move will create 15 new jobs, including two shift manager posts, as well as an additional five part time positions in the run-up to Christmas.

Local businessman and Caernarfon councillor Endaf Cooke said that the announcement meant exciting times for the town.

He said: "There has been a lot of negativity in Caernarfon since Woolworths closed.

"The news that the building is set to be re-occupied in itself is a mega boost, but it will also help create jobs and have a knock-on effect on small businesses.

"I think it will make a massive difference to the town, at the moment the building’s an eyesore and the street’s quiet because it’s empty.

"I think that it’s great that a company such as this is showing confidence in Caernarfon and vibrancy is exactly what we want to attract people into the town centre."

"I hope it could also be the first step in attracting new businesses into the town."

Arfon AM Alun Ffred Jones welcomed the announcement and said:

"At a time when businesses in general are facing severe difficulties, the opening of a new store at this location is excellent news for the town and surrounding areas.

"It is sad to see this building, with all its memories, lying empty in such a prominent part of town, and the new store will provide a valuable and convenient facility for local people and visitors alike.

"I know that the Original Factory Shop has been well supported in other Gwynedd towns where they have taken over former Woolworth sites, and I wish the Caernarfon store every success."

Click for link.
 

04 Nov 2010 by Caernarfron Denbigh Herald

THE ORIGINAL Factory Shop in Annan has raised an incredible £1,852 for Enable Annan and District – thanks to its “Make a Difference in Your Community” charity campaign.

The amount smashed its £500 target for the year. Representatives of The Original Factory Shop Annan handed over the cheque to Enable Annan and District.

Colleagues at the store, in High Street, have been supporting the local organisation throughout 2010 with a range of fundraising activities including fancy dress, community raffles and sponsored events.

Store manager Avril Hodgson said: “We’ve all worked hard to raise this money for Enable Annan and District, but, as such a deserving cause, everyone in the town has been right behind us.

“Customers have been fantastic and we are very grateful for all their support. Let’s hope all our efforts will help to make a difference to local people in need in the community.”

"Click for link"

20 Oct 2010 by Dumfries and Galloway Standard

A KILSYTH store has raised an incredible £1,618 for the Auchengeich Memorial Fund.
The fund was launched last year to mark the 50th anniversary of Scotland's worst mining disaster.

The tragedy took place on September 18, 1959, when fire broke out in the pit and claimed the lives of 47 men.

A memorial garden has been created next to Auchengeich Miners Welfare and the cetnre piece is a life-sized statue of a miner.

Staff and customers at The Original Factory Shop in Kilsyth took part in fancy dress days, raffles and various sponsored events over recent weeks to raise fund for the memorial fund.

Store manager Jennifer Barnes said: ''We all worked hard to raise this money as it is such a deserving cause.

"Everyone has been right behind us.The customers have been fantastic."

Auchengeich Memorial Committee secretary Willie Doolan said: "This is an outstanding total.

"It shows you the breadth of support we have, not just in the Moodiesburn area but in the wider community.

"These people have just got so much respect for what we are doing and we would like to thank them for all their support."

Click for article
 

13 Oct 2010 by Kilsyth Chronicle

KIRKTON Parish Church in Carluke is better off to the tune of almost £2000 – thanks to a local retailer.

The Original Factory Shop have raised an incredible £1824 for the church, thanks to the Make a Difference In Your Community charity campaign.

Smashing the £500 target for the year, The Original Factory Shop in Carluke have been supporting the church throughout 2010 with a range of fundraising activities including fancy dress, community raffles and sponsored events.

Store manager Jeanne Pahnke said: “We've all worked hard to raise this money for Kirkton Parish Church, but, as such a deserving cause, everyone in the town has been right behind us.

“Customers have been fantastic and we are very grateful for all their support. Let's hope all our efforts will help to make a difference to local people in need in the community.”

The Original Factory Shop launched the Make a Difference in Your Community campaign in January 2010 where they pledged to support just one cause for 2010 to help make a real difference.

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13 Oct 2010 by Wishaw Press

TEENY tots in Dumfries have been given a welcome cash boost thanks to the Original Factory Shop.

Through the Dumfries stores ‘Make a Difference in Your Community’ charity campaign staff raised an impressive £423.63 for the Teeny Tots Group.

It means the store are well on their way to smashing their £500 fundraising target.

Colleagues at the store, at 167 Irish Street, have been supporting the local organisation throughout 2010 with a range of fundraising activities including fancy dress, community raffles and sponsored events.

Store manager Robert Burns said: “We are so pleased with our total so far this year, it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff at the shop. We’ve really got behind the campaign to make sure we can raise vital funds for Teeny Tots Group.

“Customers have been fantastic and we are very grateful for all their support. Let’s hope all our efforts will help to make a difference to local people in need in the community.”

The Original Factory Shop launched its Make a Difference in Your Community campaign in January 2010 where it pledged to support just one cause throughout the year to help make a real difference.
 

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01 Oct 2010 by Dumfries and Galloway Standard

A PERSHORE business has raised more than £750 for St Richard’s Hospice this year thanks to its Make A Difference In Your Community campaign.

Staff at The Original Factory Shop, in New Road, have been running various fundraising activities through the campaign in which the business pledges to support just one cause in an attempt to make a real difference.

Store manager, Jackie Hall, said: “We are so pleased with our total so far this year, it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff at the shop.

“We’ve really got behind the campaign to make sure we raised some vital funds for St Richards Hospice, and the cusomters have been fantastic. We are really grateful for all their support.

“Let’s hope our efforts make a real difference to local people in need in the community.”

Transport optimisation: On the right track
September 24, 2010 | By Joanna Perry

Retailers rely on technology to minimise delivery distances, whether they run their own fleets or not, finds Joanna Perry

Y?ou have stores all over the country, they need replenishment at different frequencies and you also have to factor in the bulge in product volumes moving through your supply chain in the run-up to Christmas.

It’s a massive logistics exercise. And one that must also consider the costs and environmental impacts of the delivery schedules and routes that are chosen. Thankfully, technology is providing both retailers and their haulage contractors with the tools they need.

For some, a planning system that simply juggles store positions, vehicles and staff available is enough to make good decisions. For the most complex supply chains, the addition of telematics - technology on the lorries to monitor position, movements and even whether the driver is being economical with his use of the controls - enables a finer degree of control. Even changes of route once lorries are out on the road are possible.

This summer Tesco announced it was investing in an advanced planning system from Ortec to help with the optimisation of its supply chain.

In particular, the grocer wants it to cut operational costs, help to deliver its commitment to optimising efficiency, increase resource utilisation and drive down carbon emissions.

Sainsbury’s already uses a system that integrates planning optimisation with telematics. The Paragon system, used for several years to plan routes based on individual driver shifts and available vehicle resources, was combined last year with Isotrak’s Active Transport Management System to monitor the delivery schedule and help replan routes.

Optimised deliveries
Not only can deliveries now be optimised on criteria such as minimising mileage, they can also be re-planned while the goods are on the road. The system has increased driver productivity by 8%, improved empty running by 12%, cut store turnaround times by 15% and increased on-time delivery levels by 17%.

But it is not only retailers who are implementing these systems. Others are benefiting as third-party haulage providers do likewise. The Original Factory Shop is one example. Its long-term haulage supplier, McDowells, has put in place transport optimisation technology. The routing and scheduling software from Paragon Systems has replaced time-consuming manual processes for planning deliveries to The Original Factory Shop’s 140 stores.

Using a fleet of 22 articulated and rigid-bodied trucks, McDowells delivers more than 1,400 pallet-loads of products plus hanging garments each week to the retailer’s stores. Some of these are double deliveries. Between September and December, stock levels increase by 60%. However, the software allows for the change in volume, whereas it took four days for manual planning to cope with changes in delivery frequencies.

Original Factory Shop has outlined ambitions to be operating 500 stores by 2020. Its logistics system allows McDowells to add additional stores to its plans easily, and gives guidance to the haulier as to where it needs to extend its existing fleet and invest in additional capacity. The company says this removes guesswork from its business plans.

The next phase of the project will see McDowells expand its use from fixed-route, single-depot planning to multi-depot planning, as it sets up satellite depots to deal with its customers’ expansion plans.

Fuel costs, the need to hit carbon reduction targets and the improved efficiency that comes from better delivery planning mean that such optimisation systems are only ever going to grow in use within the retail sector.

THE Original Factory Shop in Egremont handed over a cheque for more than £3,000 to the Meningitis Research Foundation.

Staff raised the money in store as part of the nationwide ‘Make a difference in the community' scheme. The latest cheque brings the total presented to the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of Lisa Bell to £37,550.

Present at the handover were Aidan Corkhill, Susan Rooney (store manager), Pauline Bell, Tony Bell, James Glaister, Hayley Watson, Pamela Linklater and June Cameron.

EMPLOYEES

of a Blackwood business have shown their caring side by doing their bit for their community.

The Original Factory Shop in Pontllanfraith has offered their support to the Blackwood Resource Centre as part of their Make a Difference in Your Community Cause.

Launched in January of this year, the store has already raised around £600, smashing their initial £500 target.

Staff at the Newbridge Road store have shown their support by organising a range of fundraising activities, such as sponsored fancy dress days and community raffles.

Store Manager, Ashley West said: “We are so pleased with our total so far this year, it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff at the shop.

“We’ve really got behind the campaign to make sure we can raise vital funds for Blackwood Resource Centre.

“Customers have been fantastic and we are very grateful for all their support. Let’s hope all our efforts will help to make a difference to local people in need in the community.”

The colleagues are planning further fundraising events for later in the year, one of which is to be held on Monday, October 11 on the stores five year anniversary, details are yet to be confirmed.

For more details you can contact the store on 01495 229516

The Original Factory Shop in the News

New lease of life for empty town stores

A LANCASHIRE-based company is to take over the empty Woolworths stores in Thurso as well as the one in Wick.

advertising
Discounted brand retailer the Original Factory Shop has confirmed it has secured the lease on the store in Thurso and, as previously reported, is awaiting planning permission to use the premises in Wick.

This brings a potential 50 new jobs into the county and brings back into use the two former Woolworths stores which have been sitting empty since fashion chain Ethel Austin went into administration earlier this year.

Marketing director for the retail chain Colin Leggitt said that the company was aiming to open the two stores in November but there are a few obstacles to overcome first.

"Wick and Thurso are two of 40 stores we are currently looking to open," he explained.

"We need to put a new staircase in the Wick store and it's going through a listed roof so the local planning department has up to 12 weeks to get back to us about it. Our initial talks went well with them, but it is dependent on a number of factors, and, of course, local people can object; but we're ready to go as soon as we get the nod on that one," he said.

"We've signed the lease on the Thurso store but we are dealing with an asbestos issue, so that always slows the process down."

Mr Leggitt said he was hopeful of making a positive impact on the towns by creating new jobs and by giving customers a reason to return to the town centre rather than relying on out-of-town retail outlets.

"Our stores typically have between 20 to 25 employees. We find that where we are and how we trade means part-time hours often work best for our employees," he said.

"We bring back choice to the high street. We're trying to breathe a bit of life back into towns and give people a reason to come back into town to do their shopping."

A company spokesperson confirmed two weeks ago that it was looking at property in the area and that planning permission had been submitted to the Highland Council regarding the Wick store.

The alterations would create a retail space on the first floor, which Mr Leggitt said would be essential to closing the deal for the lease.

"Without the planning permission we would be unable to open the store as it is not big enough for our retail purposes," he stated. "We would have to walk away from the store."

The Original Factory Shop sells a variety of discounted brand retail products and the marketing director said that reception to the shop is generally has been very positive in smaller towns.

He explained: "Both Wick and Thurso match what we call our model store. It's usually a smaller market or tourist town, with smaller independent shops and a grocer and one or two smaller national stores.

"We sell a very broad product range, from bedding to plastic storage, to brand cosmetics to fashion and shoes, but what you don't have to do in our stores is pay premium prices.

"We're bringing back the old-fashioned, family-run department stores to small towns and giving people the option locally."

a.shields@nosn.co.uk

OUCH: Sam Thompson at The Original Factory Shop in Ilfracombe puts a brave face on it as he endures a charity chest wax from Ellie Swanson, watched by store manager Brian Holt and his grand daughter Tamsin Chidley.

BRAVE sales adviser Sam Thompson at The Original Factory Shop in Ilfracombe grinned and bared it as he endured a charity chest wax on Saturday, much to the delight of shoppers.

Sam's willingness to put his chest on the line raised more than £200 for the Lantern Pre-school, the store's chosen charity for the year, bringing the total to £450 so far.

His ordeal was carried out by beautician Ellie Swanson from Elegance at Jackies, opposite The Original Factory Shop in the High Street.

The Original Factory Shop stores in Bideford and Holsworthy are also raising money for local charities of St John Ambulance and St Peter's Fair respectively

ONE of the UK’s fastest-growing retail businesses is pumping £250,000 into revitalising Colwyn Bay’s town centre, creating over 20 new jobs in the process.

The Original Factory Shop, the local low price department store chain, will be opening a new store on Station Road today .

The company, which has over 140 sites across the UK, is committed to small town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town business parks.

The shop’s sales strategy is a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of clothing.

The 8,500 sq ft store will offer a wide range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashions, as well as homewares, electricals and toiletries.

Area Manager Lee West is confident the store will breathe new life into Colwyn Bay town centre and play an important role in the local community.

“There’s already a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is our blend of great value and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike” he said.

“Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community, an active member of it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can.”

Led by CEO Angela Spindler, former boss of Debenhams, the Original Factory Shop has experienced steady growth over the past few years, with more than 1,400 employees in its 140 locations.

The firm has a turnover of over £100 million and aims to grow through an organic growth programme of opening 30 stores per year.

To service these growth targets, in 2007 the company relocated its warehouse and HQ to a 145,000 sq ft facility in Burnley capable of servicing up to 200 stores.

Last week, we reported how a masterplan was drawn up to bring about the rebirth and regeneration of “run down” Colwyn Bay.

Concept plans for the town were unveiled to councillors and included a new town centre, multi-sports village and a revamped railway station. The plans form a framework for development over the next 15 years and were supported by Conwy County Council’s scrutiny committee after the presentation by consultants DPP Shape.

For information, visit the website: www.theoriginalfactoryshop.co.uk

The chief executive of The Original Factory Shop believes the discount department store chain has hit upon a winning formula that will take it to 500 stores by 2020

The recession was almost irrelevant,” says Angela Spindler, chief executive of The Original Factory Shop. “There won’t be many businesses that can say that,” she adds proudly.

Far from being flippant, Spindler, who has been at the helm of the discount department store chain since January 2009, has the figures to prove it and the growth plans to back it up.

“The business did well out of recession and in the recession,” she says. “The Original Factory Shop offers fair prices on your doorstep for things that are obviously great value for money.”

Familiar territory

Somewhat overlooked as a retailer of fashion, 50% of The Original Factory Shop’s offer is devoted to the category and as the former managing director of supermarket clothing brand George at Asda, Spindler is driving the category with off-price and own-label brands.

“I love the business,” she says with enthusiasm. The customers are the customers I know because they are similar to Asda customers. They are maybe at a different life stage, just a bit older and living in a different place, but I love the principle of giving real value for money while working hard to make sure products are great.”

Spindler joined The Original Factory Shop after what she describes as an ill-timed 10-month stint as managing director of department store chain Debenhams in 2008. She grew impatient when it was forced to shift its focus from growing the business to its debt pile following the collapse of Lehman Brothers bank, she explains. Joining The Original Factory Shop was like coming home, she says, albeit a “scary” homecoming. Spindler replaced George Foster, who retired in 2009.

“I’d imagined that I would be promoted to chief executive [at The Original Factory Shop] rather than go in [at that level],” she says. “I had never worked for private equity or in a small business before. [Asda owner] Walmart is the biggest corporation in the world so I was used to that infrastructure around me. I also had to put some of my own money in. There were so many things about it that were scary, but what compelled me was the proposition. And it is in the value sector, my sector, where I had been for 10 years. I went for it.”

The Original Factory Shop could be described as an off-price convenience store. It is a very local business with 146 stores - and a catchment of about 20,000 customers per shop - carrying a plethora of categories and brands which are reduced by at least 40% to 70%.

About two thirds of what is sold is made specifically for The Original Factory Shop while the other third is off-price clearance stock sourced from brands and is a “great footfall driver”, says Spindler. “You don’t know what you are going to find - it is the bargain hunter’s paradise.”

She adds that The Original Factory Shop competes for customers with “almost everyone”. Spindler says the business is often compared to the likes of Matalan and Marks & Spencer as well as supermarkets.

Standing in The Original Factory Shop in Debden in Essex, the description “department store” seems somewhat misleading for the single-floor, 6,000 sq ft store.

“If a department store is a place that has a lot of different departments and sells a broad range of non-food, has lots of different brands as opposed to lots of manifestations of the same brand and has a differentiated service proposition, then to me that’s a department store,” Spindler says firmly.

The brands on offer are often well-known, mid-tier brands. A rummage through the rails reveals old Topshop product, and Spindler laughs, pointing to another: “This one is probably George.” Despite the value offer,

Spindler has discovered that she can push prices.

“We can sell high-ticket items such as men’s leather jackets,” she says. “If it’s showing a good discount from the RRP, that is what the customer enjoys. At the other end of the spectrum we have got good value. One of the biggest volume lines is two pairs of men’s jeans for £12.”

A growing part of the business is its own-brand offer, which has allowed Spindler to provide for an often overlooked customer - the 40-plus woman.

“We did feel it was important to look after this particular segment of customers on a more continuous basis,” she says. “[This customer] is so overlooked and so demanding. She is by far our biggest spender.”

The result was womenswear own-brand Mimosa, which launched in March. At the same time, mainstream brand Headland for men was launched.

Seizing opportunities

Footwear - both own label and branded - is also a key driver for the coming season. “I think there is an opportunity to dial that up,” says Spindler, who adds that the business already benefits from strong branded footwear sales.

Aside from the obvious enthusiasm for the business, Spindler also has a duty to recognise value for The Original Factory Shop’s private equity owner Duke Street, which backed a £69m management buyout in 2007 and in May was thought to be considering selling the business.

The growth story is clear. Plans to turn the 146-store retailer into a 500-store portfolio by 2020 are afoot and record sales of £132m and EBITDA of £14.7m have piqued interest.

Spindler says that any sale is at least a year off: “We want to get another year of growth going, demonstrate we can open 30 stores [a year] without the benefit of [taking on former] Woolworths [stores], extend our warehouse so we are set for 500 stores and get new systems to get more promotional activity.”

Spindler relishes a challenge and can’t hide her excitement at taking charge of a growth-story business: “I love [The Original Factory Shop’s] position in the market. I love the smallness of it and the fact that I’m running it.”

Q&A
What do you think consumer shopping behaviour will be like next year?

We’ve got two more years ahead of consumers being very spend-conscious and having less money. People talk about the [positive] impact of the recession on value retailing, but the sector had been [growing in popularity] for years. I think that momentum will continue.

What will happen to pricing in the coming months?

There is a lot of cost price inflation in the industry. There is no relief from things like currency [fluctuations], freight, oil prices, cotton prices - consumers are in for a tough time. We will pass on prices to the customer cleverly and with a lot of thought. In some categories we will absorb price increases by ensuring we sell more volume and in others we will increase prices, but overall we will maintain our margins.

What was your reaction to the Budget?

I am the eternal optimist, and I am confident that our customer will spend more with us and less elsewhere as a consequence of us being in the value for money end of the shopping repertoire.

I think people have an amount of money - they don’t really know individual prices, but they know how many things they should get and roughly how much everything is in a basket. If that suddenly changes, they might just have a look somewhere else where they can get quality brands with a 70% discount.

CV
2009 Chief executive, The Original Factory Shop

2008 Managing director, Debenhams

2005 Managing director for George global, Asda

1997 Joins Asda in the foods division

1988 Director, Pedigree Masterfoods

1985 Regional sales manager, Coca-Cola Schweppes

1983 National account manager, hotel sector, Cadbury Schweppes

A NEW Morpeth store hopes to help the community by choosing a local cause to be its charity partner.

The Original Factory Shop in the Market Place is inviting groups to drop in a letter saying why they should benefit.

Manager Kim Duncan said: "The Original Factory Shop works hard at being part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community.

"As we're new to the town, we're asking for nominations from anyone in Morpeth who needs a helping hand, whether it's a mothers' and toddlers' group, a local children's football team or a support group of whatever kind."

A programme of fundraising activity is planned by staff throughout the year, with a minimum target of £500 to be raised.

Nominations should be submitted by Monday, August 23

EAST Perthshire figureheads yesterday welcomed a national retailer’s decision to open an outlet in Blairgowrie.

It is estimated between 20 and 25 jobs will be created as a result of the move by the Original Factory Shop, bankrolled by £250,000-worth of investment.

The clothing firm’s area manager Fiona Leishman claimed taking over the vacant 66-68 High Street venue had the potential to “breathe new life” into the east Perthshire town.

It was previously occupied by discount brand Ethel Austen and housed the local sub Post Office, which has since been switched to Somerfield’s Wellmeadow store.

Mrs Leishman declared: “There’s already a real buzz around town about us opening on August 17.

“Our aim is to be an integral, active and valuable member of the community, supporting local people in as many ways we can.

“We will be shortly launching our ‘Make a Difference’ campaign, where we search for a local community organisation to support through regular fundraising initiatives.”

Jim Bradley, the interim chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray community council, told the PA yesterday: “We always welcome businesses into the town because it’s important that any currently empty shops are filled.

“Blairgowrie has good reputation throughout the country – whenever I go anywhere, and say I live here, I always hear nice things being said in reply.

“It’s important we do things to keep it that way.”

Local businesswoman Kate Flemming, who is involved with the Blairgowrie Merchant’s Association, echoed Mr Bradley’s view.

But she added: “Personally, I always prefer to see independently-owned outlets open instead of chain stores.

“Blairgowrie, and Perthshire as a whole, has a long tradition of boasting outlets you can’t get anywhere else, and I’d like to see that continue well into the future.”

Previously, the Original Factory Shop expressed an interest in the previously-vacant former Woolworths site on Allan Street.

Their attempts to acquire the venue were dashed in August last year – with a spokesman citing “building issues” at the time.

Led by chief executive officer Angela Spindler, the Burnley-based firm now employs more than 1400 people in over 140 locations, including on Perth’s Crieff Road

STAFF at the Original Factory Shop in Charles Street, Milford Haven are aiming to make a difference to the community by choosing one local cause to be its charity partner for 2010.

Store manager Richard Johns told the Mercury: “The shop works hard at being part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community.

“We’ve decided to support just one for 2010 so that we can really make a big difference to them.

“As we’re new to the town, we’re asking for nominations from anyone in Milford Haven who needs a helping hand, whether it’s a mothers and toddlers group, a local children’s football team or a support group of whatever kind.”

Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation can drop a letter off at the store by Friday, August 6 stating why they think that they should be the shop’s charity partner in Milford Haven.

“It’s really that simple,” says Richard.

“We’re looking to start the partnership with our first local cause as soon as possible so let’s get the nominations in so we can make our choice and start raising money.”

A programme of fundraising activity is planned by colleagues at the store throughout 2010, with a minimum target of £500 looking to be raised for the chosen charity

SUITABLE suggestions for supporting a chosen charity are being called for by a new Paignton store.

Staff at the Original Factory Shop are looking for nominations from the public to support a good cause.

The outlet, at Palace Avenue, is keen to integrate itself into the community and, in doing so, it wants to support a local charity.

John Bradbury, store manager, said: "The Original Factory Shop works hard at being part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community.

"We've decided to support just one for 2010 so that we can really make a big difference to them.

"As we're new to the town, we're asking for nominations from anyone in Paignton who needs a helping hand, whether it's a mothers and toddlers group, a children's football team or a support group of whatever kind."

Anyone wanting to nominate an organisation should drop a letter into the store by July 25, saying why they think that they should be the Original Factory Shop's charity partner in Paignton.

John added: "It's really that simple.

"We're looking to start the partnership with our first local cause as soon as possible, so let's get the nominations in so we can make our choice and start raising money."

A programme of fundraising activity is planned by store staff throughout 2010, with a minimum target of £500 to be raised for a chosen charity

A DISCOUNT department store will breathe new life into vacant premises in Morpeth Market Place.

The Original Factory Shop is spending £250,000 on the former Marks & Spencer Simply Food store to open later this month.

It will create more than 20 jobs and offer a range of men's, ladies' and children's fashions, as well as homeware, electricals and toiletries.

The chain, which has 140 stores nationwide, sells a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices and own-brand products.

Among the brands expected to be on sale in the Morpeth shop are Adidas, Trespass, Regatta, Vax, Silentnight, L'Oreal, Elizabeth Arden and Rimmel.

The outlet also hopes to play a part in the community life of the town and is looking for a local organisation to support.

Area Manager Caroline Welch said: "There's already a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that our blend of great value and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike.

"Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community, an active member of it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can.

"We will be launching our Make a Difference campaign in the town, where we will search for a local community organisation to support in 2010."

The shop will open on Tuesday, July 20.

www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/local/89975/chain-store-set-for-bay.aspxPLANS to transform a former public house into a national retail unit could create up to 25 jobs in Colwyn Bay.

A planning application has been submitted to change the use of the Litten Tree in Station Road into a retail unit. Currently the building, which was formally a public house, is only permitted to sell food and drink. National chain, The Original Factory Shop, hope planning permission will be granted to transform the Station Road site into a thriving retail business, creating jobs in the town and bringing people into Colwyn Bay.

If plans go ahead the £250, 000 development could create up to 20-25 jobs in the town centre. Last month the Original Factory Shop, a non-food convenience retailer, announced it expected to create up to 1, 000 jobs by opening 35 stores across the UK.

The Litten Tree was boarded up on June 3 and a poster outside the property said the premises have been repossessed.

Cllr Hazel Meredith, mayor of Colwyn Bay, said with the regeneration project underway in the town, a retail unit is “great news.”

She said: “It is excellent for Colwyn Bay when new ventures come into the town. It is hard for us to compete with Llandudno with the retail park that they have. What is different about Colwyn Bay is that we have shops with a difference. Hopefully this will attract new businesses. Everything is looking really positive for Colwyn Bay at the moment.”

By 2020 the business, which sells men’s, women’s, children’s fashions, homewares, electronics and toiletries, is hoping to open 500 stores nationwide.

Colwyn Bay councillor Chris Hughes said 25 jobs is a “massive amount” for a town, which has been hit hard by the recession.

He said: “This business will support other shops, it will be the catalyst for other businesses to come into the town. It is excellent news. It will sell different things that we don’t have in the town.”

Cllr Janet Griffiths hoped plans would go ahead and create more jobs in the town, opening up new opportunities for residents.

Colin Leggart, Marketing Director of the Original Factory Shop, confirmed the discount chain hope to open in September if plans go ahead. He said a decision on changing the building into a retail unit is expected on July 7.

He said: “We have taken over a lot of the old Woolworths sites across the UK. We usually look for vibrant little towns, where some shops have closed. A town that is not big enough for a large supermarket like Tesco or Asda.

“We will be selling basic essentials, branded products and what we call cut labels that were sold in stores like Marks and Spencers. Fingers crossed we will be ready and open to give people another option for this year’s Christmas shopping,” he added

Value department store group Original Factory Shop has appointed retail big-hitter Tony Campbell as a non-executive director.

Campbell made his name as one of the team that turned around Asda in the 1990s and recruited Angela Spindler, now chief executive of Original Factory Shop, to the grocer in 1997.

Spindler said: “Tony is creative, incisive and challenging and I am really looking forward to working with him again as we focus on developing and growing this business.”

As well as being on Original Factory Shop’s board, Campbell is chairman of retailers Hobbs, TM Lewin and The White Company. He was lined up by Qatari investors to become chair of Sainsbury’s in 2007 had their £10.4bn takeover succeeded

PAIGNTON'S new prime-site store has enjoyed bumper sales in its first week.

The Original Factory Shop opened its Palace Avenue doors on Saturday, two days ahead of schedule.

Staff dressed in England shirts to mark the nation's first World Cup match, and people flocked to see what the 9,000sq ft outlet had to offer.

The shop, in the old Rossiters store, specialises in clothing, sportswear, football, electricals, housewares, toys and gifts, beauty products and fragrance.

John Bradbury, store manager, said: "We were going to open on Tuesday, but we were ahead of schedule so we welcomed the public in on Saturday.

"It's been brilliant so far — better than we could have expected. We've had great feedback from the public, and we're keen to continue the community spirit that was here under Rossiters.

"We're now looking for a local charity to support for the next 12 months, so we would welcome suggestions."

Rossiters closed its doors in 2008, bringing an end to 150 years of trading in Paignton.

Retailers said the loss of Rossiters left a "black hole" in the town, with the lack of a "destination store" causing many shoppers to go elsewhere.

But opening of the Original Factory Shop has now been welcomed by the town's business community.

Matthew Clarke, Paignton Business Partnership spokesman, said: "I'm very pleased to see the outlet is doing well.

"It's good news for the town centre, and it's great to see such a large store filled. With Costa Coffee and the 99p Store also now open, hopefully it'll attract other big names to Paignton."
click for article

A NEW Sidmouth store is aiming to make a difference to the community by choosing one local cause to be its charity partner for 2010.

The Original Factory Shop, which opened in May, is appealing for members of the public to submit nominations for a worthy cause.

Chris Williams, store manager, said: "The Original Factory Shop works hard at being part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community.

"We've decided to support just one for 2010 so that we can really make a big difference to them.

"As we're new to the town, we're asking for nominations from anyone in Sidmouth who needs a helping hand, whether it's a mothers and toddlers group, a local children's football team or a support group of whatever kind."

Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation can drop a letter off at the store by Wednesday, July 14 saying why they think that they should be The Original Factory Shop's charity partner in Sidmouth.

"It's really that simple," says Chris. "We're looking to start the partnership with our first local cause as soon as possible so let's get the nominations in so we can make our choice and start raising money!"

A programme of fundraising activity is planned by colleagues at the store throughout 2010, with a minimum target of £500 looking to be raised for the chosen charity

A NAILSEA shop played host to many activities and stalls as part of a special fund-raising day.

Staff at the Original Factory Shop in High Street wore fancy dress on May 29, when visitors could also enjoy face-painting, temporary tattoos, a barbecue and a raffle.

The event was put on to celebrate the first anniversary of the shop opening in the town.

Cash was also collected to donate to Nailsea Community Trust

A QUARTER of a million pounds has been pumped into the landmark Rossiter's store ahead of its opening under new owners in less than a fortnight.

The formerly family-run department store in Palace Avenue closed its doors in the summer of 2008 as it headed for £100,000 losses.

But the Original Factory Shop bought the site and have invested £250,000 in its refurbishment.

They also say they will create 20 new jobs when the store opens on June 15.

A spokesman for the company, which has Angela Spindler, the former boss of Debenhams, as its chief executive officer, said visitors could expect household name brands such as Adidas, Trespass, Regatta, Vax, Silentnight, L'Oreal, Elizabeth Arden and Rimmel at knockdown prices.

The store, located at the corner of Palace Avenue, will offer a wide range of men's, ladies' and children's fashions, as well as homewares, electricals and toiletries.

Area manager Helen Fildes said she is confident the new store will 'breathe new life' into Paignton's town centre.

"There's already a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that our blend of great value and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike," she said.

She added the store aims to be a 'valuable and integral' member of the community.

She explained this philosophy has been central to The Original Factory Shop's success to date.

The company plans to open 30 more stores across the country this year.

It employs more than 1,400 staff at more than 140 locations across the country and has experienced steady growth over the past few years

A FORMER Woolworths store which has stood empty for 18 months will soon be home to a major High Street clothes shop.

Fashion retailer Primark has announced it is moving into the former home of Woolworths in Cwmbran after signing a 25-year lease.

The store in the town was one of 11 across Gwent which were closed in January last year at a loss of 377 jobs.

Since then, the store has stood empty, but it will now be replaced by a 47,500 sq ft, three-floor shop overlooking General Ree car park and will open before Christmas.

Cwmbran Shopping Manager, Gerry Hutchings, said: “This is wonderful news for the town, particularly given the difficult economic climate, and we’re delighted to be announcing the new store. The news is a welcome boost to the local economy."

Ex-Woolworths stores in Monmouth, Pontypool and Abertillery have all been turned into Iceland supermarkets since its demise while the former store in Abergavenny was bought by Blackpool-based discount retailer B&M and the old Chepstow branch was taken over by high street chain The Original Factory Shop, creating 20 jobs.

Torfaen council said the company will create 50 full-time and 20 part-time jobs at the new store.

It will be the second of the chain's stores to open in Gwent, the other being in Newport.

This announcement follows JD Sports doubling its store size in Cwmbran and Home Bargains opening a 9,000 sq ft shop opposite the bus station.

Torfaen council leader Bob Wellington described the new shop as "more excellent news for Cwmbran and Torfaen" which will also have a positive effect on smaller traders.

He added: "Clearly it is very positive news that the former Woolworths - such a prominent vacant store - has been taken over by such a high calibre company and once again it shows the major companies share our confidence that Torfaen is a great place to do business.”

EAGER shoppers flocked in their hundreds to Dorking's newest store when it opened for business on Saturday.

Queues built up throughout the day as curious customers waited for a glimpse inside The Original Factory Shop.

The discount department store has taken over the prime High Street occupied by Woolworths, which closed 16 months ago after a 75 year stint in the town.

The store has undergone a £200,000 refit and goods on offer include electrical items, homewares, toys, gifts, beauty products and clothing.

Shop manager Gaby Brennerova said the amount of interest at the opening had exceeded all expectations, and that she had received great feedback from customers.

She added: "We thought it would be busy but not as busy as it was. You couldn't move at some points or even get from one end of the shop to the other.

"Demand never really died down. Takings were excellent."

The new shop has created 15 jobs, although the manager said if demand continues, more staff may be recruited.

Shopper Alan Browne, who lives off Dorking High Street, said he hopes the store will breathe new life into the town.

He added: "I was intrigued so decided to have a look. I thought it was good. If it brings people into the High Street that can only be a good thing."

But Julia Barker, 72, from Pixham, was not as keen.

She said: "There wasn't much on offer and I thought the aisles were too narrow if you've got a trolley. I didn't find it that much cheaper than elsewhere."

Colin Leggatt, marketing director for the chain, said: "We are delighted with how the store has started and look forward to playing our part in helping to keep Dorking a great place to shop."

The Factory Shop is open seven days a week and currently has three branches in Surrey, but has plans to open 500 new outlets nationwide by 2020.
 

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A DEPARTMENT store chain has invested £250,000 in Tredegar town centre and created 20 jobs in the process.

The Original Factory Shop opened has snapped up 27 former Woolworth stores, including a branch in the shopping centre which officially opened yesterday (Tuesday, May 18)

The store sells a mix of High Street brands and own-brand products.

The company now has over 130 sites across the UK.

Area Manager, Fran Araghi, is confident that the store will breathe new life into Tredegar town centre and will play an important role in the local community.

“There’s already a real buzz around town about us opening,” she said. “Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community, an active member of it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can”.

This community-based philosophy has been central to The Original Factory Shop’s success to date, as it has grown into one of the UK’s most popular value retailers, with expansion plans that will see 30 more stores open across the country this year.
 

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An iconic building at the centre Milford Haven’s town is set to re-open its doors next month.

Work is already underway on the former Woolworths building on Charles Street, which will open as The Original Factory Shop.

The chain of discount shops, which already has a store in Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest, will officially open the new Milford Haven shop for business on Tuesday, June 22 and will stock everything from homeware, clothing, DVD’s garden equipment, electricals and shoes.

Milford Haven mayor, Councillor Tony Eden, said the news was excellent and hoped it would ‘breathe new life’ into the town’s high street.

“We are fighting for regeneration in the town particularly in Charles Street and I hope this is the start of better things to come and will encourage other businesses to take up other unoccupied premises on the street,” he said.
 

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A retail chain now with two branches in Wharfedale has reported industry-leading growth for the recently ended financial year.

Low price department store The Original Factory Shop saw its second year of more than 25 per cent profit growth with sales up 35 per cent to £132m (2009: £99m) and like-for-like sales up 17 per cent.

The effort has been boosted by the store in Ilkley, and the chain recently opened another outlet in Otley. The chain created more than 700 jobs last year and is confident of having as many as 500 stores by 2020, with 35 planned to open in the current financial year.

Ilkley store manager Carol Heaps said: “We are delighted with the contribution the Ilkley store made to the company’s success last year. It shows that we are providing what the people of Ilkley want – a wide range of goods at very affordable prices.

“No other UK retailer fits our model of being a national major non-food convenience retailer operating in local markets. Customers voted with their feet last year, as we expanded not only our store network, but also our brand and product offering.

She said the Ilkley store, like all others in the chain, has worked hard at making a positive contribution to the local com-munity. Each store chooses to support a charity or good cause of its choice each year.

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PAIGNTON is predicting a prosperous summer, with numerous big-name national companies opening their doors in coming weeks.

Ahead of the Original Factory Shop opening in the old Rossiters store next month, Costa Coffee has announced it begins trading in Victoria Street on Wednesday.

Shopfitting work will be completed this week after a successful change-of-use planning application.

Bettesworths and Stratton Creber Commercial acted in joint instruction on the premises.

Paul Bettesworth said: "Costa are already represented in Torquay and I think it is a real shot in the arm for Paignton that such a strong national retailer sees the town as a target destination to open a store in the current economic climate.

"It is also another positive message to owners of High Street retail property that there are occupiers happy to consider the Torbay area, and we can find them.

"It is all too widely known that retailers' demand for new locations has been minimal in the last couple of years and, although there is not yet a charge for multiple acquisitions, lettings such as this illustrate that decent opportunities will be considered.

"The arrival of big names such as H&M and HMV support this.

"Victoria Street has a much more vibrant feel now, with very few shops remaining vacant.

"The feeling is more positive in Torquay also, with several new lettings and substantial freehold sales being agreed in Union Street and Union Square Shopping Centre."

Matthew Clarke, spokesman for the Paignton Business Partnership, also predicted a bright future for the town's economy. He said: "We welcome the timing of these new businesses coming to Paignton.

"The town's looking full of shoppers, and Wetherspoons in Torquay Road is being refurbished, Stead and Simpson is doubling its size in Victoria Street and we've got two purpose-built hotels coming.

"Let's just hope the owners of Crossways can do something productive there," he said.
 

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17 May 2010 by Plymouth Herald

WORKERS are pressing ahead with a major revamp of Paignton's old Rossiters store — aiming for an opening date of June 15.

The prime-site store has been taken over by national chain Original Factory Shop, which specialises in clothing, sportswear, electricals and beauty products.

For more than six months the company has been keen to move in, but complications with the lease meant plans were put on hold.

All legal obstructions have now been removed, however, and the £250,000 refurbishment is under way.

Colin Leggatt, marketing director, said: "All the issues are resolved and we're looking forward to opening our doors in Paignton on June 15.

"That's the official date we're working towards. We're really pleased that after all the hard work, we'll be having a good summer in Paignton."

The company will take over the Palace Avenue site's lower two floors on a long-term lease, while the remaining floors will be unoccupied.

Rossiters will continue to own the 2,900-square-metre building, which ceased trading under the family name in 2009 after 150 years.

Mr Leggatt said the opening day will be marked by "special offers, a prize draw, balloons and sweets for the children".
 

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14 May 2010 by SouthWest Business

TWENTY new jobs have been created with the opening of a new store in Penicuik town centre.
The Original Factory Shop, the low price department store chain, has pledged it will be an integral part of the local community.

The company, which has more than 130 sites across the UK, states it is committed to small town centre shopping at a time when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town retail parks.

Area manager Fiona Leishman is confident that the new store will breathe new life into Penicuik town centre and in these testing economic times will play a very important role in the local community.

Win £150 worth of Original Factory shop vouchers in this week's Advertiser. On sale now.

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13 May 2010 by Janet Bee , Midlothian Advertiser

The Original Factory Shop, which describes itself as a "local, low-price department store", opened its new store in Wells on Tuesday – and made a pledge to be an integral part of the local community.

The company, which has more than 130 sites across the UK, is committed to small, town-centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town shopping centres. It has already snapped up 26 of the former Woolworths stores, including the Wells branch, located at 41 High Street.

The Original Factory Shop's sales strategy mixes high-street brands such as Adidas, Olay and Gossard at heavily-discounted prices, together with an extensive range of "cut label" and own-brand products.

The new store has packed a lot into the old building. The shop has done away with the old mezzanine section and replaced it with an upper floor packed with shoes, toys, electrical and household goods.

The racks of budget-priced clothes and accessories were an instant hit with shoppers in the city and as soon as the doors opened there were plenty who wanted to see what the store had to offer.

The 7,200 sq ft store is described as stocking "a value product mix that is proving popular in the current retail climate".

Area manager Helen Fildes said she was confident the new store will breathe new life into Wells town centre and will play a very important role in the local community.

"There's already a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that our blend of great value and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike" she said.

"Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community."
 

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13 May 2010 by SouthWest Business

The joys of tilling the soil have been unearthed for adults with learning disabilities following a donation of allotment land and gardening supplies.

Elizabeth FitzRoy Support, which helps adults with autism and Down's syndrome, has been given use of the plot by a landowner at East Barsham, near Fakenham.

The Fakenham branch provides care and support to about 60 people, either in their own homes or at the charity's day centre at Hall Staithe.

About two-thirds of them have taken the opportunity to plant potatoes, runner beans and carrots at their new allotment since they started work on it last month.

This week they accepted seeds, tools and gardening gloves from the Original Factory Shop in Fakenham.

Senior support worker Chris White said: "As a charity we're there to help adults with learning difficulties to have fulfilling lives, and this is just brilliant for these guys.

"We hope to grow things we can eat and hopefully then get enough to be able to sell some on Fakenham Market."

The landowner, who did not wish to be named, offered the use of the plot through the Landshare scheme championed by TV chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

The charity eventually hopes to expand its allotment to include benches, compost bins or even greenhouses, but Mr Smith said the most immediate need was for more spades, hoes, rakes and forks.
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Discount department stores in Maryport and Wigton have helped their owner rack up record sales.

The Original Factory Shop, which operates branches in both towns, said sales in the year to March 28 rose 35 per cent to £132m.

Profit in the same period grew 25 per cent, the company said.

Bosses have described the performace as “industry-leading growth”.

The business, which sells branded merchandise with discounts of up to 70 per cent, and a wide range of fashion, homeware, electricals and toiletries, is in the process of aggressive new store openings bolstered by the increasing number of bargain-hungry shoppers.

It claims to have created 700 new jobs.

Cumbria area manager Caroline Welch said: “We are delighted with the contribution the Wigton and Maryport stores made to the company’s success last year.

“It shows that we are providing what the people of Wigton and Maryport want – a wide range of goods at very affordable prices.

“Everyone loves a bargain, especially in these testing times, and there is something for everyone in store.

“No other UK retailer fits our model of being a national major non-food convenience retailer operating in local markets.

“Customers voted with their feet last year, as we expanded not only our store network but also our brand and product offering.

“In particular, we were pleased to strengthen our fashion offering through the launch of our own brands ‘Mimosa’ and ‘Headland’, as well as stocking quality brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and K Swiss.

“We are able to bring a collection of well known brands to local high streets.

“The Wigton and Maryport stores, like all our stores, worked hard at making a positive contribution to the local community from where we draw both our customers and our employees.”
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Stourport branch helps boost store group's growth

THE Stourport branch of The Original Factory Shop has helped the firm report growth for the year ended March, 2010.

The company saw its second year of over 25 per cent profit growth, with sales up 35 per cent, to £132 million and like-for-like sales up 17 per cent. Sales for 2009 had been £99 million.

Store manager, Michelle Newman, said: “We are delighted with the contribution the Stourport store made to the company's success last year.”

She added: “The Stourport store, like all our stores, worked hard at making a positive contribution to the local community, from where we draw both our customers and our colleagues.

“We were delighted to create over 700 jobs last year and our Make a Difference charity campaign encourages us and every store to support a local charity or good cause of their choice.

“We are an ambitious, scalable, unique UK retailer and are confident we will have a chain of 500 stores by 2020.

“We are encouraged by our strong start to the new financial year, plan to open 35 stores, which will create up to 600 jobs, and view the opportunities in the year ahead very positively.”

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THE Lancaster branch of The Original Factory Shop chain has played a major role in a sales surge, its manager has said.

Stuart Flint, who runs the discount department store on Wyresdale Road, said he was “delighted” with the branch’s contribution to a 35% rise in sales from £99m last year to £132m.

He said: “No other UK retailer fits The Original Factory Shop model of being a national major non-food convenience retailer operating in local markets and our customers have voted with their feet and kept coming back to us.”

Fast-growing discount retailer The Original Factory Shop has identified 400 locations for new stores as it steps up its ambitious expansion programme with a goal of 500 branches by 2020.

The Burnley-based chain unveiled its plans as it posted a 31 per cent rise in annual underlying pre-tax profits for the year to March 28.

It said earnings rose from £11.2m to a record £14.7m as revenues climbed 35 per cent, from £99m to £132m. It was the firm’s fifth consecutive year of double-digit profits growth.

The group added 30 stores during the year to take the number of outlets to 134, and plans openings in Sidmouth, Devon; Penicuik, Midlothian; Wells, Somerset; Tredegar, south Wales; Warwick; Dorking, Surrey and Bolsover, Derbyshire; over the next month.

The openings last year created over 500 jobs.

During this financial year, the retailer expects to launch a total of 35 branches, generating up to 600 jobs nationwide.

It also plans to double the size of its warehouse facilities to cater for its growth strategy.

The Original Factory Shop sells clothing, homewares, furniture, toys, gifts and beauty products, and most of its shops are in smaller towns.

Sales of branded goods, including Roc, Yves Saint Laurent, Sketchers and Rocket Dog, account for 35 per cent of revenues – and the chain launched its own-label fashion ranges last year including Mimosa womenswear and Headlands menswear.

The group sees major growth from personal care products and everyday consumer items across household, health and beauty, accessories, toys and childrenswear.

Chief executive Angela Spindler said: “We have a financially strong business focused on achieving strong organic growth by adopting an aggressive store opening plan, funded by our strong cash generation.

“No other UK retailer fits our model of being a national major non-food convenience retailer operating in local markets.

“Customers voted with their feet last year, as we expanded not only our store network but also our brand and product offering.

“We are encouraged by our strong start to the new financial year and view the opportunities in the year ahead positively.”

The Original Factory Shop, which currently employs 2,100 staff, was established in 1969 and underwent a £69m secondary management buyout in 2007 backed by Duke Street.
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The Original Factory Shop is to step up expansion after recording a 35% increase in sales to £132m for the year to March 28.

Like-for-like sales at the 134-shop retailer were up 7% and EBITDA rose 31% to £14.7m. This strong cash generation will fund its store opening plan.

The Original Factory Shop chief executive Angela Spindler told The Times: “We are confident we will have a chain of 500 stores by 2020. The kind of places we like to trade from are what you might call the forgotten high streets of Britain.” She said these locations are small towns where the population is less than 20,000 or on the edges of larger towns.

The retailer has so far identified 400 UK sites it could expand to. It expects to open about 35 stores during this financial year. Of these, six will open before the end of the month. It also plans to almost double the size of its warehouse facilities, adding an additional 104,000 sq ft to cope with this expansion.

Spindler said that, of the new stores, about eight would be former Woolworths sites. The retailer opened 30 new stores during the year, of which 22 were in former Woolworths outlets.

She added that the rest would probably be identified on an individual basis: “There are some sites currently available, such as those which were previously part of Ethel Austin, although they are too small for us. There’s also Au Naturale, although they are not really in the right location.

“What we have tended to do more is to identify sites that we can develop - in the past, we have opened in former bowling alleys, cinemas, stations and car dealerships. So we are not dependent on acquiring sites by picking them up from other retailers.”

Spindler said The Original Factory Shop - owned by Duke Street Capital - does not have immediate plans to float. “We are not really looking at exit plans because we have so many growth opportunities as we are.”

The Original Factory Shop plans to increase its workforce by nearly 50 per cent this year by opening 35 new stores and doubling the size of its warehouses.

The Burnley-based non-food convenience store chain has just posted sales of £132m in the year to March 28, up 35 per cent. Like for like sales rose 7 per cent. Ebitda was up 31 per cent to £14.7m, the fifth year on the trot of double-digit profit growth and a second year of plus-25 per cent ebitda growth.

The chain, which describes itself as a “low-price local department store”, sells men's, women's and children's clothing, homewares, electricals and toiletries and trades in small towns with a population of less than 20,000.

It currently has 134 stores and employs 2,100 people, but has a target of 500 stores by 2020. It opened 30 new stores during the year to March, 22 of them in former Woolworths premises.

Angela Spindler, who took over from George Foster as chief executive in January last year, said:

“We are delighted with our performance last year. We have a financially strong business focused on achieving strong organic growth by adopting an aggressive store opening plan, funded by our strong cash-generation.

“No other UK retailer fits our model of being a national major non-food convenience retailer operating in local markets. Customers voted with their feet last year, as we expanded not only our store network in the year but also our brand and product offering.”

The Original Factory Shop began life in 1969 as a surplus out let for Peter Black's but was acquired by Duke Street Capital in 2007 in a £69m secondary buyout from Barclays Capital

The Original Factory Shop, a ‘local department store,’ is stepping into the breach in small towns and has big plans

The Original Factory Shop expects to create up to 1,000 jobs this year as the non-food convenience retailer steps up its store opening programme.

The business, which employs 2,100 people across 134 stores and at its head office in Burnley, Lancashire, expects to open about 35 stores during this financial year.

Of these, six will open before the end of the month, while the company, owned by Duke Street Capital, the private equity firm, also plans to almost double the size of its warehouse facilities in order to service expected demand.

Angela Spindler, chief executive of The Original Factory Shop, said that the business — which sells men’s, women’s and children’s fashions as well as homewares, electricals and toiletries — was eventually eyeing about 500 stores nationwide.

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She told The Times: “We are confident we will have a chain of 500 stores by 2020. We are what I would describe as a low-price local department store, which is a relatively new category, and the kind of places we like to trade from are what you might call the forgotten high streets of Britain.

“Ideally, these are locations where the population is less than 20,000 — they are small towns, which tends to go hand in hand with fairly small levels of competition, or on the edges of larger towns. Having a food retailer near by helps.

“Our customers like to visit very frequently, like a convenience store. A good example is Campbeltown in Argyll. It is a long drive for people to go and access branded clothing, jewellery and cosmetics.

“We are pretty much evenly distributed across the country — we go from Scotland right down to Cornwall, as well as Northern Ireland, the Midlands and East Anglia. The only place you won’t find us is in the big cities. Having said that, we have just opened our first store inside the M25, in Debden in Essex, which is trading brilliantly.”

Ms Spindler said that, of the new stores, about eight would be former Woolworths sites. However, she added, the rest would probably be identified on an individual basis: “There are some sites currently available, such as those which were previously part of Ethel Austin, although they are too small for us. There’s also Au Naturel, although they are not really in the right location.

“What we have tended to do more is to identify sites that we can develop — in the past, we have opened in former bowling alleys, cinemas, stations and car dealerships. So we are not dependent on acquiring sites by picking them up from other retailers.”

She was speaking as The Original Factory Shop reported sales of £132 million for the year to March 28, an increase of 35 per cent on the same period a year earlier and up 7 per cent on a like-for-like basis, which strips out the impact of refurbishments and new store openings. Earnings before taxation, interest, depreciation and amortisation rose by 31 per cent to £14.7 million.

Ms Spindler said that it was the fifth consecutive year of double-digit profit growth and the second year running that ebitda had risen by more than 25 per cent. The company opened 30 new stores during the year, of which 22 were in former Woolworths outlets, creating 700 jobs. She added: “We are delighted with our performance last year. We have a financially strong business focused on achieving strong organic growth by adopting an aggressive store opening plan, funded by our strong cash-generation.

“No other UK retailer fits our model of being a national major non-food convenience retailer operating in local markets. Customers voted with their feet last year, as we expanded not only our store network in the year but also our brand and product offering.

“This is a business which has shown that it can continue to grow during both good times and during a recession. It never misses a beat.”

Ms Spindler, who joined the business in January last year, said that while The Original Factory Shop stocked well-known brands such as adidas, Ben Sherman, Morphy Richards, Silentnight and L’Oréal, she had been pleased by the way the company’s newly launched own brands Mimosa and Headland had traded during the year.

She added that there were no immediate plans for the business to float: “We are not really looking at exit plans because we have so many growth opportunities as we are.”

Original story

? The Original Factory Shop was established in 1969 as part of Peter Black’s — selling over-makes, which are surplus to the original order, and seconds made for Marks & Spencer Barclays Capital bought a 70 per cent stake for £18.5 million in 2004 and, in December 2007, Duke Street backed a £69 million management buyout

Graduating from Asda’s academy

Angela Spindler is another of a well-established cadre of executives in British business to have worked under Archie Norman, below, and Allan Leighton at Asda. Ms Spindler, whose early career was at Pedigree Pet Foods — owned by Mars, where Mr Leighton was previously a senior executive — and Cadbury Schweppes.

She joined Asda in 1997 and worked her way up the ranks, first as trading and marketing director and then from 2005 as global managing director of the George fashion label, where she signed personalities such as Andrew and Rachael Flintoff and Coleen McLoughlin as the “faces” of George.

Ms Spindler left Asda in August 2007 and resurfaced in February 2008 as managing director of Debenhams, the department store chain, where she was immediately tipped to succeed Rob Templeman as chief executive.

However, when it became apparent that Mr Templeman would not be leaving as early as anticipated, Ms Spindler moved on in November 2008 after nine months. She joined The Original Factory Shop just under three months later.

Ms Spindler said that she had been pleasantly surprised about many aspects of life at her latest berth: “I’ve always worked for bigger businesses. Here at The Original Factory Shop, I’ve a smaller team and probably a less well-known brand, but I have been surprised how much I have enjoyed it.”

BUDGET store the Original Factory Shop is opening its doors in Sidmouth for the first time tomorrow.

The chain, which has taken over the former Sidmouth Indoor Shopping Centre site, has spent £250,000 on refurbishing the building and has created 20 jobs.

Helen Fildes, area manager, believes the store will breathe new life into the town centre and will play an important role in the local community.

She said: "There's already a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that our blend of great value and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike.

"Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community, an active member of it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can.

"We will also be launching our 'Make a Difference' campaign in the town, where we will search for a local community organisation to support in 2010

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STAFF at a Stroud shop have raised more than £500 for local environmental charity the Stroud Valleys Project.

Workers at the Original Factory Shop in Cainscross collected £125 of the total over Easter when they took along pet rabbits for customers to stroke and ran a "guess the number of cream eggs in a jar" contest.

The shop and the charity began working together in January this year.

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KINDHEARTED staff at Cainscross-based The Original Factory Shop have so far raised more than £500 for environmental charity Stroud Valleys Project since the end of January.

The cash was collected over several successful fundraising weekends as part of the national chain store’s initiative for each branch to support a local charity.

Over the recent Easter Bank Holiday weekend, sales assistant Karen Weir brought three of own pet rabbits into the store for customers to stroke in return for a small donation.

Staff and visitors were also challenged to guess the number of Cadbury’s Cream Eggs in a jar, which all ensured a total of £125 was raised.

Based in Stroud’s Threadneedle Street, Stroud Valleys Project works alongside communities to coordinate a host of environmentally tailored workshops and events.

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ONE of the UK's fastest-growing retail businesses is set to breathe new life into Otley town centre, investing £250,000 and creating 20 new jobs.

The Original Factory Shop low-price department store chain has opened a new shop on the site of the former Netto discount supermarket, at 45 Boroughgate.

And the 20 new positions, ranging from store manager to part-time shop assistant, have all be
ADVERTISEMENTen recruited from Otley and the surrounding area – creating a valuable employment boost for the town.

The 6,000 sq ft shop will stock well-known brands such as Adidas, Regatta, Silentnight, L'Oreal and Elizabeth Arden at discounted prices, along with a range of "cut label" and own-brand products.

Explaining why the firm had picked Otley as the site for its next store, a spokeswoman said: "The company is committed to opening up in small towns, so Otley is the perfect fit for us."

And area manager Darren Scott is confident the store will help revitalise the town and play an important role during these testing economic times.

He said: "Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community, an active member of it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can.

"We will also be launching our 'Make a Difference' campaign in the town, where we will search for a local community organisation to support in 2010."

The Original Factory Shop will sell a range of men's, ladies' and children's fashions, homewares, electricals and toiletries.

The firm was established in 1969 as part of Peter Black's, selling over-makes and seconds manufactured for M&S.

It now has a turnover of over £100 million, with more than 1,400 employees across more than 100 locations.

Under the leadership of chief executive Angela Spindler, who joined the firm last year, the company has experienced steady growth.

It is now one of the UK's most popular value retailers, with expansion plans that will see 30 more stores open across the country this year.

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MORE than 50 new jobs are expected to be created with the expansion of a Burnley fashion retailer’s headquarters.

Plans have been unveiled by The Original Factory Shop to extend its main premises in Billington Road, on the Orient Business Park, through Nelson-based Barnfield Construction.

An extra 104,000 square feet of warehousing is envisaged towards the rear of the head office, which formerly housed British Vita, and 52 additional car parking spaces are being sought.

Planning agent Frank Belshaw said there were numerous industrial estates in the area but there was little or no potential for any of them to expand.

He added: “This area of land has been ignored for development because of the topography and costs of development.

“However the pressure for new industrial space now makes the development viable. The site is situated close to the M65 an has a good traffic link to the nearby junctions nine and 10. ”

The company brought 50 jobs to Burnley in 2007 when it relocated to the borough from its former home in Steeton, near Keighley. The existing warehouse space there is around 145,000 square feet.

Earlier this year it was announced that the company, overseen by former Debenham’s boss Angela Spindler, had seen profits soar up more than 35 per cent year-on-year.

The chain has outlets in Clitheroe, Great Harwood and Todmorden and is hoping to launch more stores in Lancashire.

The demise of Woolworths also saw the firm acquire a number of the retailer’s old premises, particulary in North Wales

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THE national company taking over the former Rossiters store will be trading from the popular Paignton site by the end of May.

Managers at the Original Factory Shop have signed a contract, but a couple of planning glitches have hampered their £250,000 proposals.

There were initially concerns about installing two new fire doors at the site and altering the shop front, but these issues were approved by Torbay Council last December.

Colin Leggatt, the Original Factory Shop's marketing director, said there are now minor details to be ironed out, including a quibble about an internal dividing wall.

However, the company's website has been advertising for staff at the Paignton store, with the positions of store manager, assistant manager, supervisor, sales assistant and weekend sales assistant advertised.

Mr Leggatt added: "We're just having the last-minute discussions with the landlord, because there's still some building works to be sorted out.

"Most of the major points are agreed. It's just the little things we're waiting on. They're small but could be significant.

"The deal is agreed. We just have to wait now. We're really keen to get in there, but we've got to ensure everything's right.

"We've had builders on standby since before Christmas and the shop-fit has been ordered. We were looking to be taking money by now."

The Original Factory Shop specialises in clothing, sportswear, electricals and beauty products.

It will take over the Palace Avenue site's lower two floors on a long-term lease, while the remaining floors will be unoccupied.

Rossiters will continue to own the 2,900-square-metre building, which ceased trading under the family name in 2009 after 150 years.

Kevin Carroll, Torbay Council Paignton ward councillor, said: "We want the Original Factory Shop in as fast as we can.

"It'll be great news, because the people of Paignton have said that the footfall has dropped off since Rossiters closed.

"Having the Original Factory Shop will not only help Palace Avenue, it'll help the links across all of the town."

Matthew Clarke, spokesman for the newly-formed Paignton Business Partnership, agreed with Cllr Carroll.

He said: "It's important that this type of quality national retailer is part of Paignton's mix.

"The Original Factory Shop will be a recognisable name giving validity to us as an attractive town centre for locals and visitors."
 

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BUDGET store The Original Factory Shop is a step closer to securing an April opening after town planners gave the green-light for a new shop front.

The planning committee supported the application at it meeting on Wednesday.

Councillor Simon Pollentine said the old doors at the premises are typical of an indoor shopping centre but would not suit the look of the new store.

And Councillor Sylvia Carr, who used to work at the shopping centre, said: "The customers always had an issue with the frontage.

"Holiday visitors walked past because the door was so small for a big place so anything that they do has got to be an improvement."

She said she had visited the chain's Honiton store and was impressed by the layout.

Councillor Carr added: "I hope the layout will be just as good or even better."

A spokesperson for The Original Factory Shop said they do not yet have a definite date in mind for the Sidmouth store's opening.

The planning application will go to East Devon District Council for a final decision

TODMORDEN Together has been chosen as the charity of the year of the local branch of the Original Factory Shop
Following an appeal to the community to nominate local causes, colleagues at the store, on Halifax Road, have launched a year long programme of fundraising activity, and set a minimum target of £500.
Store manager, Michaela Tidswell said: "We had a
ADVERTISEMENTgreat deal of interest in the campaign from local causes looking for a helping hand and it was a very difficult decision to make.
"We have chosen Todmorden Tog-ether as we feel that we can really help over the next 12 months.
"Colleagues are very excited about the scheme and cannot wait to get stuck into the fundraising initiatives we have planned."
Louise Castro, of Todmorden Toge-ther, said the news had come out of the blue.
"This came as a real surprise; we're delighted to have been chosen and to have their support.
"Michaela, the manager there, has been great and understands how busy we are so she's taken it all on board and, along with the staff, is just getting on with it.
"We'd like to do something specific with this funding so it will be going towards Kidsfest this year.
"In fact Michaela has brought her family to Kidsfest and they all enjoyed it."

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01 Apr 2010 by Todmorden News

A DERELICT building in Chard has been given a new lease of life after planning permission was granted to turn it into a factory outlet store.

The Old Station building, on Great Western Road, is set to become an Original Factory Shop, which specialises in discount clothing, homeware and electrical goods.

Members of South Somerset District Council’s Area West Committee unanimously voted in favour of the move, expected to create up to 16 new jobs, at a meeting on Wednesday last week.

The former station building, which is Grade II listed, was previously occupied by an engineering business but has since fallen into disrepair.

Plans submitted by Rollo Homes will see the site revamped, with a rear extension and 21 car parking spaces.

Committee members’ discussions centred on the store’s delivery times, which were altered to try and reduce disruption to people living nearby caused by lorries unloading.

Cllr Ric Pallister said: “If this was an industrial site I wouldn’t have a problem with the times but because it is in close proximity to residential buildings we should restrict them.”

Consideration was also given to the impact on traffic in the area, with the developers agreeing to make a contribution towards improving the junction of the A30 and A358.

Ward member Nigel Mermagen said: “I don’t think this development is going to exacerbate the traffic situation but it’s not going to improve it.

“Anyone who is aware of the building will know how it’s been deteriorating over the past few years and I think it’s extremely beneficial that a use has been found for it.

“I can think of no better way for it to be not only preserved but also put back to how it used to be.”

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BUDGET chain The Original Factory Shop is moving into Sidmouth Indoor Shopping Centre.

The low-price department store announced this week that it is recruiting staff for an April opening.

Marketing Director, Colin Leggatt, said: "We are in the process of acquiring the site which was formerly the Sidmouth Indoor Shopping Centre."

Rumours have been rife in the town about businesses moving into the centre since its closure was announced last November.

Stallholders were given two months notice to cease trading and on January 30 the centre's doors closed for the final time.

The Original Factory Shop (OFS), which has a store in Honiton, offers men's, ladies' and children's fashions, as well as homewares, electricals and toiletries.

It sells a mix of well-known high street brands at discounted prices together with a range of 'cut label' and own-brand products.

A spokesperson for OFS, which is one of the UK's fastest-growing retail businesses, said: "The company, which will play an integral role in the local community, is committed to town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town shopping centres."

Job recruitment notices are advertising two part-time supervisor positions, 10 part-time and four weekend sales assistant positions.

And the company has submitted a planning application for a new shop front.

Mr Leggatt added: "We hope to have everything ready for an April opening."

A spokesperson for Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce said: "We are pleased to see that premises occupied and we wish the new business well. The Original Factory Shop will add to the shopping diversity of the town."

OFS, which was established in 1969 selling surplus Marks & Spencer stock, announced in September that it had identified over 400 news sites to meet an 'aggressive expansion plan' over the next five years.

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CUSTOMERS at an Ulverston store are being given the chance to take home a giant 4.5kg chocolate egg.

The luxury Belgian chocolate egg is being raffled at the Original Factory Shop store in The Gill.

The money raised from the egg, which is worth £150, will be donated to the store’s Make a Difference 2010 charity partner, Ulverston Girl Guides.

Proceeds will help provide much-needed resources and equipment.

Store manager Frances Higgs said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have this wonderful prize for our shoppers.

“There’s nothing better than treating your loved ones at Easter, so why not do it with the biggest egg in town?

“We’re very supportive of the girl guides. It provides a fun, secure and sociable group for young girls to be involved with at such a vital stage in their life.

“We’re hoping to be able to give them a big Easter surprise, too.”

The egg has been donated by international Chocolatier, Duc d’O.

This latest fund-raising drive follows the successful launch of the Original Factory Shop’s Make a Difference campaign earlier this month, when the Ulverston store contributed to the £26,000 raised over one weekend in stores nationwide.

The Original Factory Shop will be making a difference to Girl Guides in 2010, with a year-long programme of fundraising activities planned.
 

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A NEW face on the high street is looking for people to nominate a local charity it can support.

The Original Factory Shop, in Loughton Broadway, is asking people to drop off letters with suggestions for charities to be the recipients of its annual fund-raising efforts.

It has already organised its first charity event in the form of an Easter raffle to win a 4.5kg Belgian chocolate egg.

Store manager Daniel Bayliss said: “We’ve decided to support just one organisation for 2010 so that we can really make a big difference to them. As we’re new to the town, we’re asking for nominations from anyone in Debden who needs a helping hand, whether it’s a mothers and toddlers group, a local children’s football team or a support group of whatever kind.”

Shoppers have until Monday, March 22 to nominate.

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A LOCAL business is hoping to make a big difference to a Bridlington charity after choosing it as its 2010 charity partner.
The Original Factory Shop, in Carnaby Covert Lane, chose the Bridlington Special Pool Support Group as its charity partner after an appeal to the community to nominate local causes.

Staff at the store are gearing up to support the local organisation for the next 12 months, with a year long programme of fund-raising activity planned.

The store is hoping to raise a minimum of £500 for the organisation, which kicked off with a special launch weekend at the end of January.

Store manager Melanie Tebbett says: “We had a great deal of interest in the campaign from local causes looking for a helping hand and it was a very difficult decision to make.

“We have chosen Bridlington Special Pool Support Group as we feel that we can really help over the next 12 months.

“Colleagues are very excited about the scheme and cannot wait to get stuck into the fund-raising initiatives we have planned ".

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THE Original Factory Shop in Dumfries will be making a difference to Teeny Tots Group after it was chosen as its charity partner for 2010.

Following an appeal to the community to nominate local causes, colleagues at the store on 167 Irish Street are gearing up to support the Dumfries organisation for the next 12 months.

A year-long programme of fundraising activity is planned, with a minimum target of £500 looking to be raised for the organisation which kicked-off with a special launch weekend at the end of last month.

Store manager Robert Burns said: “We had a great deal of interest in the campaign from local causes looking for a helping hand and it was a very difficult decision to make.

“We have chosen Teeny Tots Group as we feel that we can really help over the next 12 months.”

He added: “Colleagues are very excited about the scheme and cannot wait to get stuck into the fundraising initiatives we have planned.

“During the launch weekend, customers had the chance to join in the fun in store to help us raise as much money as we can for this worthy cause.”

The Original Factory Shop started its search for a charity partner in September by asking local groups to write a letter of nomination to the store.
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The Original Factory Shop in South Molton has chosen South Molton Football Club to benefit from its charity fund raising in 2010.

The shop started its search for a charity partner in September by asking local groups to write a letter of nomination to the store.

A year-long programme of fund raising activity is now planned, with a minimum target of £500. This kicked off with a special launch weekend at the store in South Street over the weekend.

Customers had the chance to join in the fun in store to help raise money for the cause.

Store manager, Tirath Yendle said: "We had a great deal of interest in the campaign from local causes looking for a helping hand and it was a very difficult decision to make. We have chosen South Molton Town AFC as we feel that we can really help over the next 12 months.

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A YEAR-LONG fund-raising effort for a local good cause has begun at a busy Clitheroe store.

Last September the Original Factory Shop, in Shawbridge Street, asked through our pages for nominations of local groups, charities, clubs or organisations to benefit from it's fund-raising efforts in 2010.

After looking at all the nominations, it has chosen Clitheroe Youth Forum as its charity partner for 2010. Now colleagues at the store are gearing up to support the local group for the next 12 months.

A busy programme of fund-raising activity is planned, with a minimum target of £500 looking to be raised for the organisation. It all began with a special launch at the value-for-money store last weekend.

Store Manager Cassie Hughes said: "We had a great deal of interest in the campaign from local causes looking for a helping hand and it was a very difficult decision to make. We have chosen Clitheroe Youth Forum as we feel that we can really help over the next 12 months.

"Colleagues are very excited about the scheme and cannot wait to get stuck into the fundraising initiatives we have planned."

Our picture shows, from the left, Morgan Kennedy (10), sales assistant Kath Dewhurst, Nadine Rawcliffe, Mel Diack from Clitheroe Youth Forum, supervisor Gemma Lord and Morgan Rawcliffe (10) at the launch of the Original Factory Shop's fund-raising campaign.

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