Discount shop in Lancaster shuts down

Monday, 23 March 2026 11:06

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

A discount department store in Lancaster has closed after the chain collapsed into administration.

The Original Factory Shop at Lancaster Leisure Park has now shut.

Founded in 1969, The Original Factory Shop sells a wide range of branded products including fashion, perfumes and toiletries.

In January, Beyond Radio reported that insolvency proceedings had begun for The Original Factory Shop (TOFS). It then went into administration later that month.

"Very sadly, we have had to initiate insolvency proceedings for The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) and Claire's Accessories UK & Ireland," said a spokesperson for owners Modella Capital.

"This has been a very tough decision. We have worked intensively in an effort to save both businesses, having made last-ditch attempts to rescue them, but neither has a realistic possibility of trading profitably again.

"In these circumstances, administration is the only option. In both cases, the legacy effects of trading prior to our ownership left them highly vulnerable.

"The climate on the High Street remains extremely challenging, and TOFS and Claire's are not alone in experiencing difficulties.

"This is borne out by recent Sensormatic statistics and other data sources suggesting an alarming drop-off in pre-Christmas footfall.

"A combination of very weak consumer confidence, highly adverse government fiscal policies and continued cost inflation is causing many established and much-loved businesses to suffer badly.

"It’s a simple fact that if retailers can’t make money, they risk having to close – and jobs across the country are lost."

The Garstang outlet of The Original Factory Shop is also due to close on March 29. Other stores around the UK have also either closed or announced closure dates.

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