http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/default.aspx/ Factory Shop News Feed en-uk 5 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=39 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. click for article 3/4/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=39 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=38 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. click for article 3/3/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=38 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=37 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 ". click for article 2/11/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=37 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=36 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. click for article 2/10/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=36 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=33 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." click for article 2/4/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=33 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=32 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. click for article 2/3/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=32 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=34 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. click for article 2/2/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=34 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=35 A HIGH STREET shop has chosen a nursery as its charity for the year. The Original Factory Shop in Kingsway Dovercourt has announced Harwich Connexions Noah's Nursery as its charity partner for 2010. Noah"s Nursery was chosen following an appeal to the community to nominate local causes. Now staff at the store are preparing for a year long programme of fundraising activities to raise a minimum of £500. Kim Cook, store manager, 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 Harwich Connexions Noah's Nursery as we feel that we can really help over the next 12 months. “Staff are very excited about the scheme and cannot wait to get stuck into the fundraising initiatives we have planned.” click for article 1/30/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=35 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=31 The Original Factory Shop in Bideford is launching its charity fund raising for the year with fun in store this weekend. The shop started its search for a charity partner in September by asking local groups to write a letter of nomination to the store and has chosen the local St John Ambulance as its charity partner for 2010. A year long programme of fund raising activity is planned, looking to a minimum target of £500. The launch takes place at the High Street store this Saturday and Sunday, with customers invited to join in the fun and help raise money for the cause. Store manager Kathy Bakes 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 St John Ambulance as we feel that we can really help over the next 12 months. click for article 1/28/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=31 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=30 A DISCOUNT department store business is planning rapid growth in 2010 after record-breaking Christmas figures. The Original Factory Shop already has 130 stores nationwide, but plans another 600 in coming years to satisfy shoppers" 'thirst for bargains'. And the £100million company, run from Burnley by ex-Debenhams managing director Angela Spindler, sees East Lancashire as 'fertile territory' as it takes on high-street giants and plots its expansion. Bosses believe concentrating outlets in small towns, helping to regenerate shopping areas, is the key to success. Currently, there are three Original Factory Shop stores in the area, in Clitheroe, Great Harwood and Todmorden. But a buoyant Christmas period, with like-for-like sales up 16 per cent on 2008, has led Mrs Spindler to cast around for new areas to push into, including other parts of East Lancashire. She said: “Our stores are about convenience, because they are so local. “There are more than 1,000 small towns in the UK that fit the profile for an Original Factory Shop store. “That means they have fewer than 20,000 people living there and so those towns tend to have lower rents. “We are confident that there"s an opportunity for another 400 to 600 stores across the UK, and some of those will be in East Lancashire.” The Original Factory Store"s expansion has drawn on shoppers" desire for discounts on big brands such as Adidas and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as its moves into some former Woolworths units. The business was founded in 1969 in Keighley, before moving to Billington Road, Burnley, in 2007. A year later Mrs Spindler, who headed up Asda"s George line in the 1990s, was poached from Debenhams, lured by opportunities in discount retailing. And the former marketer is confident Britons" love of value stores will endure, even as the country emerges from recession. She added: “Our stores do well in affluent areas, as well as not so affluent areas, because everybody is out for a bargain. “I don"t see that changing, because people are still worried about the economy.” click for article 1/9/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=30 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=25 STOURPORT"S branch of department store, the Original Factory Shop, has contributed to record sales for the company over the festive period. It saw a year-on-year sales increase of 48.3 per cent and a profit increase of 60 per cent for the four weeks ending December 27. Like-for-like sales increased by 16 per cent for the same period, while like-for-like sales for the quarter were up 7.7 per cent. “We gave customers exactly what they wanted this Christmas, by making their money go further and giving them access to luxuries at affordable prices, even in these testing times,” said Michelle Newman, store manager of the Original Factory Shop in Stourport. “Our quest to deliver outstanding value continues into the new year. We will be holding the prices of current stock and not passing on the VAT increase to our customers.” Currently, there are 130 Original Factory Shop stores and the potential for a further 400 in the coming years, with locations already identified. In 2010, the company plans an ambitious opening programme of 30 new stores, focusing mainly on small market towns and domestic tourist destinations. The Original Factory Shop acquired 23 Woolworths sites in 2009, with many of their small town stores being seen as a perfect fit for the Original Factory Shop's own business model. The Original Factory Shop's sales strategy is a mix of well-known brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of “cut label” and own-brand products. click for full article 1/8/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=25 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=24 The Original Factory Shop, the budget department store with branches in Wigton and Maryport, has reported a bumper Christmas. The company said sales rose 48.3 per cent and profit was up 60 per cent over the festive period - including new store openings - compared to the same period the previous year. 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. The company has also benefited from the demise of high street rival Woolworths, whose stores it has been buying, including one at Maryport which it re-opened last month. Claire Young, store manager of The Original Factory Shop, Wigton, said: “'We gave customers exactly what they wanted this Christmas by making their money go further and giving them access to luxuries at affordable prices, even in these testing times. “Our quest to deliver outstanding value continues into the new year and we will be holding the prices of current stock and not passing on the VAT increase to our customers.” click for full article 1/7/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=24 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=29 NORTH West value retail chain The Original Factory Shop has announced record sales for the festive period, with a year-on-year sales increase of 48.3%. The Burnley-based group also saw profits increase by 60% for the four weeks ending December 27. Like for like sales increased by 16% for the same period , and were up 7.7% for the quarter. Angela Spindler, chief executive of The Original Factory Shop, said: “We gave customers exactly what they wanted this Christmas by making their money go further and giving them access to luxuries at affordable prices, even in these testing times. “Our quest to deliver outstanding value continues into the New Year, we will be holding the prices of current stock and not passing on the VAT increase to our customers.” The £100m turnover company said that one of its biggest successes during the year was the acquisition of 23 former Woolworths sites. In 2010 OFS plans to add to its portfolio of 130 stores by opening another 30 new stores, focusing mainly on small market towns and domestic tourist destinations. It is also to build a new 100,000 sq ft extension to its 145,000 sq ft Burnley warehouse and headquarters to support these expansion plans. Work is due to start early in 2010. Ms Spindler said: “Our stores bring vibrancy and extra footfall whenever they open, benefiting other local retailers. They play a unique role within a small town, providing communities with the opportunity to shop locally whilst also creating local and accessible jobs. “No other UK retailer fits this model. We are local, competition is limited and we are almost always the major non-food retailer in the immediate locality." click for article 1/6/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=29 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=26 Value department store chain Original Factory Shop has reported record sales over the Christmas period, with a year-on-year sales lift of 48.3%. The fashion and homewares retailer also reported a profit increase of 60% for the four weeks ending December 27. Like-for-like sales increased by 16% for the same period, while like-for-like sales for the quarter were up 7.7%. The Original Factory Shop chief executive Angela Spindler said: “We gave customers exactly what they wanted this Christmas by making their money go further and giving them access to luxuries at affordable prices, even in these testing times. “Our quest to deliver outstanding value continues into the New Year, we will be holding the prices of current stock and not passing on the VAT increase to our customers.” Last year the retailer bought 23 former Woolworths sites and there are now 130 Original Factory Shop stores. The retailer sees potential for 400 sites and this year will open 30 new shops, focusing mainly on small market towns and domestic tourist destinations. Spindler said: “We are local, competition is limited and we are almost always the major non-food retailer in the immediate locality.” The Original Factory Shop stocks a mix of brands at discounted prices, alongside its own-brand products. click for article 1/5/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=26 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=27 Original Factory Shop said sales rose 48.3% over Christmas, a record performance from the value department store. Original Factory Shop, which stocks various brands at discounted prices alongside own-brand ranges, said profits rose 60% over the four weeks to December 27. Like-for-like sales grew 16% over the period, while like-for-like sales for the whole quarter were up 7.7%. Original Factory Shop chief executive Angela Spindler said: “We gave customers exactly what they wanted this Christmas by making their money go further and giving them access to luxuries at affordable prices, even in these testing times. “Our quest to deliver outstanding value continues into the New Year, we will be holding the prices of current stock and not passing on the VAT increase to our customers.” Original Factory Shop has 130 stores nationwide and sees potential to grow to have 400 sites. This year the retailer will open 30 new shops, focusing mainly on small market towns and domestic tourist destinations. Spindler said: “We are local, competition is limited and we are almost always the major non-food retailer in the immediate locality.” click for article 1/5/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=27 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=28 Original Factory Shop: The discount stores group reported a sales rise of 489 per cent over the four weeks to December 27, helped by the 23 former Woolworths stores that it had bought. Like-for-like sales were up by 7.7 per cent in the quarter. Click for article 1/5/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=28 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=23 SHOPPERS will have to wait until the spring before Paignton's flagship department store reopens. The former Rossiters store in Palace Avenue was due to be taken over by the Original Factory Shop in time for Christmas. But legal negotiations mean the doors will stay closed until March. However Rossiters and OFS say work to refurbish the ground and lower ground floors should start in January. Keith Rossiter said: "It is not quite in their hands yet but we are very optimistic that work can start in the new year. "We are still going through the normal legal negotiations at the moment, making sure everybody is happy. "We are very much hoping the new store becomes an established part of the Paignton street scene." Rossiters will continue to own the 2,900 square metre building, which ceased trading under the family name in February after 150 years. OFS will take over the lower two floors on a long-term lease. The first, second and upper attic floor will remain unoccupied. Mr Rossiter said: "We have some difficulties in knowing quite what to do with that space. With it being an extremely large store you can't always find someone to take over the entire property. "We haven't made our minds up yet." The building is still being marketed by chartered surveyors Drew Pearce. A planning application by OFS to install two new fire doors was approved by Torbay Council at the start of December. The national chain, which specialises in clothing, sportswear, electricals and beauty products, has promised to invest about £250,000 in the store. Colin Leggatt, marketing director, said: "Basically it is still in the hands of the legal teams and we are still trying to do a deal. "It is not down in our books to open for January or February but things change. It definitely won't be before Christmas." Click for full article 12/22/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=23 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=22 THE Original Factory Shop opened in the old Woolworths building in Maryport on Saturday. Assistant manager Mark Hodgson, of Maryport, said the Senhouse Street shop was busy during the weekend. Contractors and shop fitters worked day and night to refurbish the store in seven days. It had been originally set to open last Tuesday but was ready ahead of schedule. Shop manager Marcus Million, 31, of Workington, said: “I think people will be pleased to see the Woolworth building reopened.” The Original Factory Shop is spread over two floors. Click for full article The basement contains homeware, cleaning equipment and toys. Upstairs is adult and children"s fashion, footwear, CDs and DVDs, jewellery, confectionery and more. A lift is being built and should be ready within the next fortnight. 12/4/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=22 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=21 THE Original Factory Shop is set to move into the Ripon store formerly occupied by Woolworths. Less than a year after Woolworths closed, the Original Factory Shop - which has traded on North Street since 1986 - has confirmed it will be opening up for business in the larger premises on Fishergate, on Tuesday, December 15. "It's a great opportunity for us because now we can put a much bigger offer in Ripon, giving people a bigger and better choice," said Colin Leggatt, marketing director for the company which has stores across the UK. "We sell many of the same or similar products as Woolworths and so expect we will be able to fill the gap it has left" Click here for article 11/27/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=21 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=19 RED tape has delayed plans by a national department store to take over the former Rossiters site in Paignton. The Original Factory Shop announced in September it was in the final stage of negotiations for the Palace Avenue location. Today it was revealed a disagreement between Torbay Council buildings inspectors and planners have led to a delay of more than two months in the outlet opening. The Original Factory Shop marketing director Colin Leggatt explained: "The building inspector told us we had to put in a fire corridor to be legally allowed to trade. But the planners said we couldn't because it is an old building. "We have resolved the issue with the building inspector today." A spokesman for Torbay Council said: "Rossiters' building holds an important place in Paignton's history and Torbay Council welcomes this application to bring a new sustainable use to the building. "The council's development management team is working closely with the architects to ensure the character of this fine historic building is retained in every aspect, including the sensitive design of two fire escapes in the front of the building. "The council emphasises this application is not yet determined and is subject to our usual stringent planning process." The Original Factory Shop has stores nationwide specialising in clothing sportswear, football, electricals, housewares, toys and gifts, beauty products and fragrance. If the deal had been signed in September work on £250,000 of renovations was due to start immediately with a view to the shop being open before Christmas. The opening date has now been pushed back by around two months. Mr Leggatt said: "We are too far behind now to be able to open before Christmas. "I have it down for January but that will be confirmed at a later date." Mr Leggatt said the paperwork would be signed 'imminently' now the planning issues have been resolved. He said the agreement to take over the store hadn't been finalised earlier because it is dependent on the Original Factory Shop being able to trade. Click for article 11/6/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=19 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=18 THE Original Factory Shop"s new store in Maryport, on the former Woolworths site, will open on December 1. It is recruiting staff and hadreceived more than 50 applications for 25 jobs less than a week after advertising began. Marketing director Colin Leggatt said the company was delighted with the response. It is looking for a supervisor, sales assistants, weekend sales assistants and cleaning staff. Applications close on Wednesday. Work is progressing well on upgrading the former Woolworths store on Senhouse Street, he added. Mr Leggatt said the company had wanted to come to Maryport for a long time and had previously negotiated for another site, but that fell through. He said: “When Woolworths became available it was the ideal opportunity for us. The Original Factory Shop does well in towns like Maryport. “The loss of Woolworths would have been a blow to the town and people are pleased that another shop is going in there.” The Original Factory Shop was established in 1969 as part of Peter Black"s, selling seconds made for Marks & Spencer. It stocks clothing, sports wear, electrical goods, house wares, toys, gifts and beauty and fragrance products Click for article 10/29/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=18 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=16 BIDEFORD'S former Woolworths store is set to be turned into The Original Factory Shop. The large shop in the Little White Town's High Street is expected to open in the middle of November. The Original Factory Shop sells well-known brands at heavily discounted prices as well as cut label and own-brand products. The story will sell clothes, homewares, electricals and toiletries. Bideford shoppers will see brands such as Adidas, Ben Sherman, Morphy Richards, Silentnight, L'Oreal, Elizabeth Arden and Roc for sale at knockdown prices. The Original Factory Shop has already pledged to be "an integral part of the local community". Marketing director, Colin Leggatt, said the company was in the process of buying the site. He said: "The store's size and format are a perfect fit for our own business model." Click for full article 10/22/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=16 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=17 A DUMFRIES store has been inundated with requests from local charities after offering to support one organisation for the next year. Original Factory Shop manager Robert Burns says it will be a difficult decision to choose between the worthwhile charities. He said: “We want to link up with a very local charity or cause and give them 100 per cent support over the next year so that we can help make a real difference. “We have had applications from a wide variety of equally deserving community groups and it"s going to be a very difficult decision.” However, the closing date is not until Monday, October 19, leaving time for people to get their nominations in. Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation simply has to drop a letter off at the store explaining why they think that they should be The Original Factory Shop"s charity partner in Dumfries. “It"s really that simple,” said Robert. “We"re looking to start the partnership officially from November 1 so let"s get the nominations in so we can make our choice and start raising money.” A year-long programme of fundraising activity is planned by staff at the store. Click for article 10/16/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=17 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=8 ONE local charity could get a £500 or more windfall thanks to a local factory shop. The Original Factory Shop on Covert Lane in Carnaby, Bridlington is aiming to make a difference to the local community by choosing one local cause as its chosen charity for the next 12 months. Store manager, Melanie Tebbett, said: "The Original Fa ADVERTISEMENTctory Shop works hard at being part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community. "Over the years we've raised money for a whole host of local charities and organisations but we've decided to support just one from November for a year so that we can really make a big difference to them." The shop is seeking nominations of any local cause which needs a helping hand, from mother and toddler groups, a local children's football team or any type of help or support group. Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation simply has to drop a letter off at the store in the next fortnight saying why they think that they should be The Original Factory Shop's charity partner in Bridlington. A year long programme of fundraising activity is planned by colleagues at the store, with a minimum target of £500.00 looking to be raised for the chosen charity. Click for full article 10/4/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=8 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=10 STAFF at the Original Factory Shop in Galston are looking for a worthy cause to support over the next 12 months. Said store manager Jennifer Russell: “We work hard at being part of local life and are always looking at ways we can put something back into the community. “Over the years we"ve raised money for a whole host of local charities and organisations, but we"ve decided to support just one from November for a year so that we can really make a big difference to them.” The shop in Park Road is seeking nominations from any group in Galston needing a helping hand. It could be a mother and toddlers" club, a kids" football team, a pensioners" organisation ... in fact any local outfit in need of support. Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation simply has to drop a letter off at the store in the next fortnight saying why they think that they should be The Original Factory Shop"s charity partner in Galston. “It"s really that simple,” said Jennifer. “We"re looking to start the partnership officially from November 1 so we are keen to receive nominations as soon as possible so that we can make our choice and start raising money.” A year-long programme of fundraising activity is planned by employees at the store, who have a minimum target of £500 in mind for the fortunate group chosen to benefit from their efforts. Click for full article 10/2/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=10 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=12 A NORTH west based business that started life selling surplus Marks and Spencer stock and which has taken advantage of the Woolworths failure has seen sales surge. The Original Factory Shop, headed by former Debenhams boss Angela Spindler, has reported a year-on-year like-for-like sales increase of nine per cent for the 13 weeks to August 30. Overall, turnover is up to 35 per cent, with profits up 36 per cent, largely driven by an new store opening programme, excellent summer trading, and the performance of 32 seaside and tourist town stores. Many of the latest locations were former Woolworths stores acquired after its demise, and the firm says its small-town stores have been a perfect fit for The Original Factory Shop's own business model and says it has identified over 400 shopping locations that meet its criteria to enable an aggressive expansion plan over the next five years Angela Spindler said: "No other UK retailer fits this model. We are local, competition is limited, and we are almost always the major non-food retailer in the immediate locality. "A large percentage of customers visit their local store at least once a week. "The company is bringing people back to local shopping, revitalising the small town centre, in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town shopping centres." The Original Factory Shop's sales strategy is a mix of well-known brands such as Adidas and Morphy Richards at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of 'cut label' and own-brand products. Click For Full article 9/29/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=12 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=9 The business, which sells branded merchandise with discounts of up to 70pc 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. The company has also benefited from the demise of high street rival Woolworths, whose stores it has been buying. "Our stores are in market towns where the population is less than 20,000 and there is limited competition," she said. "Sixty per cent of our offering is fashion and beauty but the breadth of what we do is unique. As people tighten their belts more and more they are spending less time going to the big shopping centres or high streets and they are coming into our shops weekly because it is quick and it is very local." click for full article 9/27/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=9 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=13 The Original Factory Shop is to launch its first own-brand clothing offer in spring 10, which it wants to generate 10% of womenswear sales. It will be the first time the value retailer has designed its own clothing range. Chief executive Angela Spindler, formerly managing director of Debenhams and chief of Asda"s clothing range George, said the range targets a 40-plus woman. The Original Factory Shop, which generates 60% of its revenue from fashion sales, launched its first exclusive womenswear collection called Must Have - which targets a mid-20s to mid-40s customer - in spring 09, but this was designed and created by supplier Influence. Its autumn 09 Must Have range has been created by supplier Whispering Smith. The Must Have range is set to represent 6% of this autumn"s womenswear sales. Prices range from £6 to £15. Spindler said: “This season we have done it with bigger volumes and more pieces”. Pre-tax profits at the retailer soared 27.1% to £9.7m in the year to March 29, on like-for-likes up 4%. Click for full article 9/25/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=13 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=14 Value retailer Original Factory Shop has recorded a 27.1% rise in pre-tax profits to £9.7m in the year to March 29 as it lays out plans for 400 stores within five years. In the 13 weeks to August 30, like-for-like sales grew 9% while in the 25 weeks to September 20, total sales rocketed 35%. The 120-store retailer will open 30 stores in the present financial year, with a view to opening 400 in the next five years, which chief executive Angela Spindler called a “conservative figure”. Spindler, former managing director at Debenhams, said: “No other UK retailer fits this model. We are local, competition is limited and we are almost always the major non-food retailer in the immediate locality. “We have such a unique proposition and are so relevant in this climate. I"m convinced the brand has longevity. The recession has helped the momentum of store openings, and the demise of Woolworths has created opportunities.” Spindler said the retailer"s success is down to its store locations in small towns with populations of 20,000 as well as its “great value” discounted brands and its “incredible breadth of range”. Spindler said shopper numbers have increased and that more affluent consumers are shopping at the retailer. “New people are trying us, everybody is looking to make savings,” said Spindler. The retailer, which achieves 60% of its revenue through fashion sales, is also launching a new own-brand fashion line aimed at its core customer - the 40-plus female. Spindler said the range - as yet untitled - will be informal yet “stylish and coordinated”. While she could not confirm the price points she said the range would represent value for money. The range will have a soft launch this autumn/ winter, with a stronger launch early next year. “We"re working on our ladieswear offer - 84% of our customers are women, so there"s clearly an opportunity,” said Spindler. Click for full article 9/25/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=14 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=2 VALUE retailer The Original Factory Shop has doubled its number of stores in Wales with the acquisition of four former Woolworths sites. The stores in Chepstow and Cardigan, Pwllheli and Porthmadog add to the company"s other Welsh outlets at Buckley, Flint, Haverfordwest and Pontllanfraith. Headed by chief executive Angela Spindler, the north west of England-based chain is celebrating its 40th anniversary and recently reported a 12% like-for-like sales increase in the 14 weeks to March 29. Click here to view the full article 8/14/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=2 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=4 AN EAST Lancashire-based business has reported a surge in profits. The Original Factory Shop, based in Burnley, said its profits had last year shot up by 36 per cent, with turnover up 35 per cent for the 13 weeks to the end of August. The firm, headed by former Debenhams boss Angela Spindler, said its performance was down to its presence in seaside towns and an “aggressive new stores opening programme”. The company"s head office is in Billington Road, Burnley, and it has outlets in Clitheroe, Great Harwood and Todmorden. Mrs Spindler said: “Being our home ground, we are delighted with our performance in Lancashire and how that has contributed to the overall success of the business.” Orginal Factory Shop intends to open a new store in West Lancashire in the next year. 7/10/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=4 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=3 Original Factory Shop, which boasts 110 stores throughout the UK and is planning to open a further 90 in the space of the next three years. Ambitious expansion planned Biss, which is run out of Manchester by joint national MD Brian Beech, will now be looking to boost the profile of a chain with a department store format, offering a range that includes clothing, homewares, toys, gifts and toiletries. Click here to view the full article 5/20/2009 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=3