The Original Factory Shop is shutting its Chester-le-Street store in County Durham on June 28 with devastated shoppers taking to social media to express their upset
The Original Factory Shop has announced the closing date for another one of its stores. The discounter already has eight closures lined up over the next few weeks.
But now, the budget chain has revealed its Chester-le-Street store in County Durham will close on June 28. The Original Factory Shop confirmed the closure on Facebook and revealed it is holding an up to 30% off closing down sale.
The post reads: “It’s with great sadness to announce, but the rumours are true! The store will be closing its doors for the last time on 28th June. It’s been a pleasure bringing you all the great deals over the last 2 years, getting to know our regulars.
“We have up to 30% discounts across the store so come grab yourselves some bargains. We ask you to be mindful, respectful to the team as you can imagine we are all devastated, but please come say hi .. Thankyou team Chester serving you till the end.”
Replying to the post, one shopper said: “I love this shop and the staff are amazing. So sorry for you all.” Another commented: “Bought a few things in there such a shame.”
A third person said: “Absolutely gutted. I get loads of stuff in there. So sad about this.” A fourth shopper posted: “What a shame, it’s a terrible thing all these shops closing!”
The Original Factory Shop is also set to close branches in Abroath, Kidwelly, Pershore, Peterhead and Normanton on June 28. Its store in Staveley will follow on July 12, while other branches in Shaftesbury and Milford Haven will also close, but no set date has been announced yet.
It comes after its owner Modella Capital launched plans to renegotiate rents at 88 stores through a company voluntary arrangement (CVA), according to Sky News.
A CVA is an agreement between a business and its creditors that allows debts to be paid off over a fixed period of time. The creditors must first approve the CVA before it can be implemented. The Original Factory Shop employs around 2,000 people.
A spokesperson for The Original Factory shop told The Press and Journal: “The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) recently confirmed that as part of a restructuring a number of its loss-making stores will have to close.
“Closing stores is always a tough decision and we are committed to keeping as many stores open as possible. This is, however, dependent on successful negotiations with landlords as we strive to build a sustainable and successful business for the future.
“We have already announced that two stores will close. Additionally, a small number of other stores are currently under review, with their continued operation subject to ongoing negotiations with landlords.”
