UK retailer shuts Oxfordshire branch amid administration

The Original Factory Shop which sells discounted homewares, furniture, electrical goods and toys, shut its store in Carterton yesterday (Saturday, March 28).

On the business’ Facebook page, last-minute discounts were being offered with clothing down to £2 an item.

READ MORE: Store closure fears as UK discount brand in administration

On Thursday, March 26, a spokesperson for the store said: “Everything in store is now up to 85 per cent off as we prepare to close our doors this weekend.

“This is your last chance to grab a bargain – once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

The Original Factory Shop in Carterton (Image: Google Maps)

Following that announcement, prices were subsequently lowered and lowered.

Other branches around the UK also shut yesterday including in Cromer, Gorleston and Bungay in Norfolk and Suffolk with major sales also being implemented at other locations.

This comes after the business fell into administration in January, with further closures also expected imminently in Snettisham, according to The Sun, and around the country.

READ MORE: Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner score planning victory over neighbours

Administrators said The Original Factory Shop’s troubles have been driven by challenging trading conditions, linked to high-cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and rising labour costs caused by government policies.

Problems were then exacerbated by issues linked to its third-party warehouse and logistics operator, weakening sales further.

It only has one store in Oxfordshire, its Carterton shop, although Claire’s – which is also owned by investment firm Modella Capital and is in administration – has one in the Oxford Westgate shopping centre.