A major UK discount department store is shutting down over 30 of its branches this year. The Original Factory Shop branch in Spennymoor is now the latest store set to close and is preparing to shut its doors for good within three to four weeks once all the stock is gone. Signs announcing the closure and bold “Everything Must Go” banners have been placed across the shopfront and inside the store.
The discount department store is offering up to 50% off on a wide range of products, including 20% off men’s and ladies clothing , shoes, toys and 50% off handbags. The huge closing down sale and upcoming closure was announced on Facebook.
The news has disappointed local shoppers, many of whom have shared fond memories of the store and its staff on social media.
One person commented on the Facebook post: “Awww I’m gutted it’s the end of a era for everyone such good memories in there with all the staff.”
Someone else said: “So sad, love that store.”
Another local shopper added: “Oh no so sad will miss this shop hope the staff have jobs to go to.”
The closures follow a major restructuring after the retailer was acquired by Modella Capital earlier this year. The investment firm, which has also taken over struggling chains like Hobbycraft and WHSmith’s high street branches, is working to streamline operations by closing underperforming stores and renegotiating rents across its portfolio.
A spokesperson previously said: “The Original Factory Shop recently confirmed that as part of a restructuring, a number of its loss-making stores will have to close.
“Closing stores is always a tough decision, and we are committed to keeping as many stores open as possible. We have already announced that two stores will close.
“Additionally, a small number of other stores are currently under review, with their continued operation subject to ongoing negotiations with landlords.”
Full list of 2025 closures so far
- Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire
- Perth, Scotland
- Chester Le Street, County Durham
- Arbroath, Angus
- Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire
- Pershore, Worcestershire
- Normanton, West Yorkshire
- Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
- Shaftesbury, Dorset
- Staveley, Cumbria
- Bridlington, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Caernarfon, Wales
- Ashbourne, Derbyshire Dales
- Matlock, Derbyshire
- Cupar, Fife
- Kirkham, Lancashire
- Caldicot, Wales
- Whitchurch, Shropshire
- Mexborough, South Yorkshire
- Chard, Somerset
- Nairn, Scotland
- Market Drayton, Shropshire
- Middlewich, Cheshire
- Blairgowrie, Scotland
- Heswall, Merseyside
- Cupar, Scotland
- Wetherby, West Yorkshire
- Horley, Surrey
- Spalding, Lincolnshire
- Otley, West Yorkshire
- Spennymoor, County Durham – Closing in the next few weeks (exact date not yet specified)