In a significant development for the British retail sector, The Original Factory Shop has become the latest high street name to enter administration. The move comes amid a challenging start to the new year for many retail and hospitality businesses, with the firm joining a growing list of companies seeking financial restructuring.
Administration Announced Amid Difficult Trading
Administrators from Interpath Advisory have been appointed to oversee the process, confirming that the company will continue to operate from its extensive network of 137 stores across the United Kingdom while they assess potential options to secure its future. This approach aims to maintain business continuity and preserve jobs during the uncertain period.
The announcement follows similar difficulties faced by other retailers, with Claire's also reported to be undergoing administration proceedings. The dual administration filings highlight the persistent pressures on the retail landscape as companies grapple with changing consumer habits and economic headwinds.
Nationwide Store Network Continues Trading
Despite the administration, customers can still visit The Original Factory Shop locations throughout the country. The administrators have emphasised that all stores will remain open for business as usual while they explore restructuring possibilities, potential sales, or other rescue options.
The company maintains a substantial physical presence across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with stores situated in both major towns and smaller communities. This widespread footprint underscores the retailer's significant role in local high streets and regional economies.
Complete List of Store Locations
The Original Factory Shop operates from 137 individual locations spanning the entire United Kingdom. The comprehensive store list includes:
- Abergele, Wales
- Alnwick, Northumberland
- Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
- Ashington, Northumberland
- Atherstone, Warwickshire
- Attleborough, Norfolk
- Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Bangor, Wales
- Barmouth, Wales
- Barton-upon-Humber, Lincolnshire
- Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland
- Bexhill, East Sussex
- Biggin Hill, Greater London
- Bishops Cleeve, Gloucestershire
- Brandon, Suffolk
- Bridgnorth, Shropshire
- Bridport, Dorset
- Buckie, Banffshire, Scotland
- Bungay, Suffolk
- Cainscross, Gloucestershire
- Calne, Wiltshire
- Campbeltown, Argyll, Scotland
- Cardigan, Wales
- Carluke, Lanarkshire
- Carterton, Oxfordshire
- Castle Douglas, Scotland
- Cinderford, Gloucestershire
- Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
- Clitheroe, Lancashire
- Congleton, Cheshire
- Corsham, Wiltshire
- Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland
- Cranleigh, Surrey
- Crewkerne, Somerset
- Cromer, Norfolk
- Crowborough, East Sussex
- Dalry, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Downham Market, Norfolk
- Dunbar, East Lothian, Scotland
- East Dereham, Norfolk
- Egremont, Cumbria
- Felixstowe, Suffolk
- Forfar, Angus, Scotland
- Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
- Frodsham, Cheshire
- Galston, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Garforth, West Yorkshire
- Garstang, Lancashire
- Gillingham, Dorset
- Gorleston, Norfolk
- Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland
- Harleston, Norfolk
- Haslemere, Surrey
- Headcorn, Kent
- Heathfield, East Sussex
- Hereford, Herefordshire
- Holbeach, Lincolnshire
- Holsworthy, Devon
- Horncastle, Lincolnshire
- Hornsea, East Yorkshire
- Kelso, Roxburghshire, Scotland
- Kippax, West Yorkshire
- Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, Scotland
- Lampeter, Wales
- Lanark, Lanarkshire
- Lancaster, Lancashire
- Langold, Nottinghamshire
- Leiston, Suffolk
- Leominster, Herefordshire
- Lutterworth, Leicestershire
- Lydney, Gloucestershire
- Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire
- Machynlleth, Wales
- Melksham, Wiltshire
- Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
- Milngavie, Dunbartonshire, Scotland
- Minehead, Somerset
- Monifieth, Angus, Scotland
- Montrose, Angus, Scotland
- Nailsea, Somerset
- New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
- Newhaven, East Sussex
- Newquay, Cornwall
- Northallerton, North Yorkshire
- Oban, Argyll, Scotland
- Oxted, Surrey
- Penrith, Cumbria
- Plympton, Devon
- Porth, Wales
- Porthmadog, Wales
- Portrush, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Prudhoe, Northumberland
- Pwllheli, Wales
- Redruth, Cornwall
- Ripon, North Yorkshire
- Romsey, Hampshire
- Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire
- Rushden, Northamptonshire
- Rustington, West Sussex
- Saltash, Cornwall
- Saxmundham, Suffolk
- Seaton, Devon
- Sherborne, Dorset
- Shildon, County Durham
- Shotts, Lanarkshire
- Skegness, Lincolnshire
- Sleaford, Lincolnshire
- Snettisham, Norfolk
- South Molton, Devon
- Southam, Warwickshire
- Spilsby, Lincolnshire
- St Clears, Wales
- Stalham, Norfolk
- Stanley, County Durham
- Stewarton, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Stonehaven, Kincardineshire
- Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland
- Stranraer, Wigtownshire, Scotland
- Sturminster Newton, Dorset
- Tenterden, Kent
- Thurso, Caithness, Scotland
- Tiptree, Essex
- Todmorden, West Yorkshire
- Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland
- Troon, Ayrshire, Scotland
- Ulverston, Cumbria
- Warrenpoint, County Down, Northern Ireland
- Warwick, Warwickshire
- Watton, Norfolk
- Whitby, North Yorkshire
- Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire
- Wigton, Cumbria
- Withernsea, East Yorkshire
- Wokingham, Berkshire
- Wrentham, Suffolk
- Wymondham, Norfolk
This extensive geographical spread demonstrates the retailer's commitment to serving communities nationwide, from coastal towns to inland market towns across all four nations of the UK.
Future Uncertain as Administrators Assess Options
The administrators from Interpath Advisory have indicated they will be evaluating all possible avenues to stabilise the business during this transitional phase. Their immediate priority remains ensuring that stores continue to serve customers while longer-term solutions are developed.
The retail sector has faced considerable challenges in recent years, with changing shopping behaviours, rising operational costs, and economic uncertainty creating a difficult environment for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers. The administration of The Original Factory Shop represents another chapter in this ongoing narrative of high street transformation.
Customers are advised that stores will operate normally during the administration process, with no immediate changes to opening hours or product availability expected. The administrators will provide further updates as their assessment progresses and future plans become clearer.
