http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/default.aspx/ Factory Shop News Feed en-uk 5 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=75 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. click for article 7/21/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=75 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=74 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. click for article 7/13/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=74 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=73 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. click for article 7/11/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=73 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=71 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. click for article 6/25/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=71 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=72 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. click for article 6/25/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=72 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=70 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 6/17/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=70 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=68 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. click for article 6/15/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=68 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=69 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. click for article 6/15/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=69 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=67 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. click for article 6/7/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=67 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=66 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.” click for article 6/6/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=66 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=65 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. click for article 5/28/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=65 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=64 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. click for article 5/20/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=64 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=62 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. click for article 5/20/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=62 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=63 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. click for article 5/18/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=63 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=61 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. click for article 5/17/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=61 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=59 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". click for article 5/14/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=59 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=60 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. click for article 5/13/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=60 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=58 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." click for article 5/13/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=58 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=57 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. click for article 5/12/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=57 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=55 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.” click for article 5/10/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=55 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=56 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.” click for article 5/10/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=56 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=54 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.” click for article 5/7/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=54 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=51 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 . click for article 5/4/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=51 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=52 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.” click for article 5/4/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=52 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=53 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. click for article 5/4/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=53 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=50 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. Related Links Carpetright head fears ‘double dip" recession Mapping British Business Retail March retail sales raise fears for recovery 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.” click for article 5/3/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=50 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=49 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 click for article 4/28/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=49 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=48 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. click for article 4/24/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=48 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=47 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. click for article 4/21/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=47 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=46 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. click for article 4/19/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=46 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=45 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 click for article 4/13/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=45 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=42 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." Click for article 4/7/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=42 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=43 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. Click for article 4/2/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=43 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=44 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." Click for article 4/1/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=44 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=41 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.” click for article 3/24/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=41 http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=40 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. click for article 3/20/2010 12:00:00 AM http://fsg.cfpreview.co.uk/news-details.aspx?id=40 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