A BIG discount department store chain with 200 stores is set to close yet another branch.
The Original Factory Shop will pull down the shutters on its Milford store in Surrey following several closures last year.
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The discounter sells a range of bargain items from homeware to stationery.
It has been running since 1969 and has around 190 stores across the UK.
Now its been revealed The Original Factory Shop will close its Charles Street store after 13 years in another blow to the high street.
The branch first opened its doors in Milford Haven in June 2010 – in the building that was originally occupied by Woolworths.
Other branches in Haverfordwest and Fishguard will remain open.
Locals took to social media to tell of their disappointment.
One person wrote: “So sad to read. I go in there regularly and the staff are fantastic.”
Another added: “Another nail in the coffin for Charles Street.”
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A TOFS spokesperson said: “We regularly review the stores across our estate and unfortunately have taken the decision close our Milford Haven store.
“We are consulting with colleagues at the store and are working hard to support all of those affected.
“We’d like to thank all our customers for their support and look forward to welcoming them at any of our other two stores, which are both located within 20 miles.”
It comes following a tumultuous period for businesses struggling to bounce back after Covid combined with rising energy bills.
Food and pub chains have also been shutting doors at several locations across the country, such as Wetherspoons pubs and Frankie & Benny’s closing sites.
With costs high for shoppers too it means that people have been cutting back on non-essentials and prices continue to skyrocket.
There’s also been a switch to online shopping for many consumers, meaning that brick and mortar shops have been struggling.
Brick and mortar stores have also seen a lack of footfall due to consumer habits switching to online shopping.
Homebase closed a store last year leaving it with just 93 stores remaining since it was taken over by Hilco Capital in 2018.
Poundstretcher closed multiple stores last year but also opened new stores in closed Wilko stores.
Even charity shops are struggling Oxfam confirmed it would close eight of its UK stores last year.
Superdry is said to be considering a “radical” restructuring including job losses after reporting poor Christmas sales.
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Boots revealed it would be closing 300 stores over the next year as part of plans to evolve its brand.
Meanwhile, a major fast-food outlet with 1,000 restaurants is shutting one of its branches for good.Plus, a bargain retailer has confirmed the sites in Stockton-on-Tees will shut next month.
