Thousands of jobs at risk in UK discount stores – 151 locations affected | UK | News
Business is at risk as a popular discount chain announces it is going into administration. The future of the 137 Original Factory Shop stores across the UK is uncertain, although store closures have not been confirmed. On January 28, it was announced that the chain had gone into administration. The discount chain sells products including clothing and homeware on Wednesday alongside appointed managers from Interpath Advisory.
It has 97 stores in England, 29 in Scotland, 10 in Wales and three in Northern Ireland. Insolvency experts are currently evaluating options to keep the business afloat. In the meantime, all locations will continue trading. However, the retailer has now ceased its online operations, although all online sales made before Wednesday will be delivered as normal. The move comes amid challenging trading conditions linked to high cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labor costs caused by government policies, according to executives.
It also implemented a new pricing strategy to attract customers to its remaining stores. Fears for the health of the high street are once again on many people’s minds, with Poundland stores closing and The Original Factory Shop going into administration.
Poundland stores scheduled to close in 2026 include:
Meanwhile, The Original Factory Shop has stores in the following locations:
- Porth – Dinas Business Centre, Cymmer Road, Porth, Mid Glamorgan
- Abergele – Sea Road, Abergele, Conwy
- Barmouth – High St, Barmouth, Gwynedd
- Porthmadog – 70 High Street, Porthmadog, Gwynedd
- Pwllheli – 86 High Street, Pwllheli, Gwynedd
- Bangor (N Wales) – Menai Shopping Centre, Bangor
- St. Clears – Pentre Road, St Clears, Carmarthenshire
- Cardigan – High Street, Cardigan, Dyfed
- Lampeter – Inside the Co-operative, Lower Bridge Street, Lampeter, Ceredigion
- Machynlleth – Inside the Co-operative, 80-88 Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth, Gwynedd
Northern Ireland (3 stores)
