The Factory Shop Limited
Private
Trading nameThe Original Factory Shop
IndustryRetail
GenreDepartment Store
Foundation1969 (age 57)
Defunct4 April 2026
FateAdministration
FounderPeter Blacks
Location cityBurnley
Area servedUnited Kingdom
Key peopleIan Williams, CEO (2024)
ProductsVarious
Revenue£193 million
OwnerModella Capital
ParentThe Factory Shop Group Limited[1]
Location countryEngland, UK
Num locations137

The Factory Shop Limited,[2] trading as The Original Factory Shop,[3] was a discount department store chain that operated from 1969 to 2026.

In 2025, it was bought by private equity firm Modella Capital.

In January 2026 the company went into administration. The retailer's online store closed immediately while physical stores closed a few at a time.

On 4 April 2026, the final shops closed.[4][5]

History

The Original Factory Shop was established in 1969 as part of Peter Black's retail network. Initially it sold soap manufactured by one of Black's factories. The chain now has 185 outlets.

During 2010 to 2011, the chain expanded its warehouse and offices in Burnley by 100,000 square feet (9,300 m2) to provide for the future needs of the business.[6]

In August 2011, the chain did not perform as well with profits reduced, due to economic conditions and large investment, including many store openings, expansion of headquarters and warehouse and upgrading store equipment.[7][8] The chief executive is former Lloyds Pharmacy boss Tony Page, who replaced Angela Spindler in June 2013. In May 2010, rumours surfaced that the parent company Duke Street Capital had put the chain up for sale for £200 million.[9][10] These rumours were later denied by The Original Factory Shop and Duke Street Capital.[11]

On 26 June 2018, it was announced that The Original Factory Shop was to close 32 stores due to falling profits, and the withdrawal of its credit insurance.

The group's profits soared, post the COVID-19 pandemic, in the financial year 2021/22. Total revenue was £124.4 million, a growth of 250%. Profit being £8.5 million, up £2.4 million on the previous year.

In 2024, Ian Williams was appointed as CEO.[12] In February 2025, Modella Capital bought the chain from Duke Street Capital.[13]

On 5 January 2026, the company entered administration. The online shop closed on 28 January. It was confirmed TOFS would be closing all together, via the former online website.[14][15][16]

Operations

The chain sell fashion, homewares, toys and personal care products. The products can be from the chain's own lines, branded products or cut label products from a high street chain or supermarket.

In the middle of 2010, The Original Factory Shop opened its online store.[17][18][19]

References

  1. ^ "The Factory Shop Limited persons with significant control - Find and update company information - Gov.uk". Companies House. 2016-04-06. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  2. ^ "The Factory Shop Limited overview - Find and update company information - Gov.uk". Companies House. 2001-03-09. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  3. ^ "Terms and Conditions". The Original Factory Shop. Retrieved 2025-03-31.
  4. ^ Douglass, Rachel (2026-04-21). "The Original Factory Shop closes UK stores". FashionUnited. Retrieved 2026-04-22.
  5. ^ "Jobs lost as UK retailer closes all 137 stores and 'disappears'". Swindon Advertiser. 2026-04-17. Retrieved 2026-04-17.
  6. ^ "Huge expansion of The Original Factory Shop HQ in Burnley - Business News". Burnley Express. 23 February 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  7. ^ George MacDonald (1 August 2011). "Profits fall at Original Factory Shop | News". Retail Week. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  8. ^ George MacDonald (4 August 2011). "Tough trading is set to continue, says Spindler | News". Retail Week. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  9. ^ "The Original Factory Shop put up for sale for £200m". Telegraph. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  10. ^ "Duke Street looks to dispose of The Original Factory Shop". Business-sale.com. 25 May 2010. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  11. ^ Berwin, Lisa (25 May 2010). "Original Factory Shop denies sale | News". Retail Week. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  12. ^ "Our History | About Us". The Original Factory Shop. Retrieved 24 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Hobbycraft owner in late swoop to snatch The Original Factory Shop". Sky News. Retrieved 2025-03-09.
  14. ^ https://www.tofs.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorp-ONOzDa_GwfmyKlbJccMXdi8v47HkzBBMytrtGyO-YSB_Nb9
  15. ^ "Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop collapse into administration". The Independent. 2026-01-05. Retrieved 2026-01-05.
  16. ^ "The Original Factory Shop falls into administration with 1,180 jobs at risk". BBC News. 2026-01-28. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  17. ^ "Multichannel retailing taken to new heights: Online Shopping news from". Shopsafe. 25 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  18. ^ "News & Star | News | Business | Cumbrian firm gives you chance to shop online - without using the internet". Newsandstar.co.uk. 1 August 2011. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  19. ^ "Retailer Offers Online Stock For UK Delivery In Store - myHermes Parcel Delivery News". News.myhermes.co.uk. Retrieved 29 April 2013.