A ‘big brands at bargain prices’ department store is set to open the doors of a brand-new store in the centre of Ringwood.
Amid resident speculation, The Original Factory Shop has confirmed it will open its first ever store in the market town – potentially as a replacement for the former M&Co store.
Job adverts have been posted online seeking an assistant store manager for a new Original Factory Shop site in Ringwood, and the company says it is “looking forward” to welcoming shoppers.
A spokesperson from The Original Factory Shop said: “We’re looking forward to bringing The Original Factory Shop to the Ringwood community. Customers will soon be able to purchase big brands with big savings of up to 70 per cent.
“Brands stocked at the store will include the likes of Adidas, Nike, Clinique, Olay, Ralph Lauren, Converse, Hugo Boss and Emporio Armani.”
Founded in 1969, The Original Factory Shop sells branded fashion, homeware, beauty, and other products at discounted prices.
With more than 200 operating stores across the UK, the closest branches to Ringwood and Bournemouth are currently located in Sturminster Newton and Romsey.
It is believed The Original Factory Shop will take tenancy at the former M&Co store in Southampton Road, which closed its doors in late March this year.
Signage on the large unit says it is currently “under offer”, but The Original Factory Shop spokesperson was unable to confirm if this was the site they plan to move into.
They added more information would be provided “as soon as” it was available.
M&Co appointed administrators Teneo Financial Advisory in December last year amid rising costs and weakening consumer confidence.
AK Retail Holdings, which owns Yours Clothing, bought the brand and intellectual property of M&Co but not the stores.
If the empty unit is occupied The Original Factory Shop, it would spell another positive for Southampton Road after the opening of fellow discount store The Works in March.
One resident, Christopher Murphy, said: “Very good if it is an Original Factory Shop, men’s and ladies’ clothes at great prices, visited one in Cornwall recently.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel