High street fashion accessories brand Claire’s also went into administration
The Original Factory Shop has gone into administration, putting over 1,000 jobs at risk. The future is uncertain for the chain’s 137 stores and 1,180 staff members. The discount retailer is known for it’s clothing and homeware products, it has now appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory on Wednesday (January 28).
Another major high street brand Claire’s went into administration on Monday (January 26), employing 1,355 staff in the UK. The Original Factory Shop will continue to trade from it’s stores across the UK as the insolvency experts assess options in a bid to help it survive.
However it has been reported that online operations have shut down, but all online sales made before Wednesday will be delivered as normal. Administrators said The Original Factory Shop’s troubles stemmed from challenging trading conditions, linked to high cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.
Sales further weakened thanks to problems linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator. Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “The Original Factory Shop has long-been a cornerstone of local high streets up and down the country.
“Unfortunately, however, trading challenges have impacted the business such that the company had to be placed into administration. Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with TOFS dedicated team of employees as we endeavour to operate all stores as a going concern while we assess options for the business.”
The business filed its intention to appoint administrators earlier this month alongside fashion accessories brand Claire’s. The two retailers had already undergone restructuring and were bought by investment firm Modella Capital last year.
Modella has become a major force in the British retail industry, having bought the WH Smith high street chain last year and taking over arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft in 2024.
