The Original Factory Shop announces closure in Shildon

The Original Factory Shop, in Shildon, confirmed the news on social media last Friday (January 30), announcing that the popular store is closing.

Posting on Facebook, the store said: “This store is closing down.

“Everything must go… up to 50 per cent.”

The closure comes shortly after the company announced it had entered administration last month, putting 1,180 jobs at risk.

Administrators from Interpath Advisory were officially appointed on Wednesday, January 28.                                    

Stores will continue to trade while insolvency experts explore options in a bid to keep it afloat.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, previously 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.”

Following the announcement, customers were quick to take to social media, saying they were “very sorry” to hear the news.

One person said: “Really sad news for the town, I hope that another store can take its place, hoping that the staff can find alternative employment.”

Another added: “Such a shame. We are going to miss this shop in Shildon, there’s not many shops left now.”

Claire’s Accessories – which has 156 stores in the UK and Ireland, including two in Norwich, also appointed administrators last month.