The Original Factory Shop in Stanley to close next month

The Original Factory Shop, located at 46-51 Front Street, Stanley, announced on March 17 that its final day of trading will be Saturday, April 4.

Front Street in Stanley (Image: STUART BOULTON)

In a message to customers, the store’s team said: “It is with heavy hearts that we officially announce our Stanley store will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday, 4th April.

“For over 20 years, we’ve been a proud part of this community. We want to say a massive THANK YOU to every single customer who has supported us over the years you’ve made this journey unforgettable.

“We’d love to see your faces one last time, so please do pop in before we close.

“As we navigate these final weeks, we kindly ask for your patience and kindness. Our team is going through a very emotional transition, and while there will be plenty of tears and laughter, we are doing our best to give this store the send-off it deserves.

“Thank you for everything Stanley and thank you for being part of our story.”

The closure follows the appointment of administrators from Interpath Advisory, who were officially brought in on Wednesday, January 28.

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, previously said “trading challenges” have caused the business to go into administration.

He 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.”

The Stanley closure comes after other nearby branches in Shildon, Chester-le-Street and Spennymoor also shut within the past year.