The Original Factory Shop
United Kingdom discount department store
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Factory Shop Limited,[2] trading as The Original Factory Shop,[3] was a discount department store chain that was ran from 1969 to 2026.
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 The Original Factory Shop in Garforth before it's closure | |
| The Original Factory Shop | |
Company type | Private |
| Industry | Retail |
| Genre | Department Store |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Founder | Peter Blacks |
| Defunct | 4 April 2026 |
| Fate | Administration |
| Headquarters | , England, UK |
Number of locations | 137 |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people | Ian Williams, CEO (2024) |
| Products | Various |
| Revenue | £193 million |
| Owner | Modella Capital |
| Parent | The Factory Shop Group Limited[1] |
In 2025, it was bought by private equity firm Modella Capital.
In January 2026 the company went into administration. The retailers online store closed immediately while physical stores closed a few at a time.
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]