Shoppers are in despair as a department store marks the closure of another branch. The Original Factory Shop has confirmed it is closing another store, having pulled the shutters on a further three as recently as August. Now the discount department chain is closing its branch in Padiham, Lancashire.
Disappointment on social media
Shoppers were quick to share their disappointment on social media. One said: "I went in nearly every week when I lived over there, fab shop, such a shame." A second wrote: "Such a shame. The staff are so lovely there. Hope they all get jobs they deserve." And a third added: "Love this shop bought kids clothes and clothes for myself. Love the homewear too. Such a shame."
Openings and closures
The discounter has closed a number of stores in recent months, but also opened new branches last year. The chain closed stores in Chepstow, Mildenhall, and Bodmin in August last year. That follows sites in Bideford and Stourport shutting their doors for a final time in May. However, the discounter opened more than a dozen department stores between August and October. The Original Factory Shop had around 190 stores across the UK as of Christmas.
Consultation and support
A spokesman for the company said: "We are consulting with colleagues at the store and are working hard to support all of those affected. We’d like to thank all our customers for their support and look forward to welcoming them at any of our other three stores, which are all located within 20 miles."
New shop openings
The discounter opened new shops in various locations, including Kirkintilloch, Stonehaven, Blandford Forum, Haddington, Wetherby, Nairn, Ashbourne, Castle Douglas, Penrith, Inverness, Attleborough, Ayr, Ringwood, Perth, Lanark, and Peterhead.
Source: [Original Article]
