The Original Factory Shop, known for its discount prices on a variety of goods, has announced the closure of its Deal, Kent branch, leaving locals disheartened. This marks another blow to the town’s high street, which has seen a string of closures in recent times. The store, established in 1969, will shut its doors on September 28th, 2024. The company confirmed the closure in a Facebook post, expressing gratitude to the local community and staff for their support.
Locals have expressed their sadness over the news, viewing it as a symbol of the decline of Deal’s high street. Many have cited other recent closures, including Swanstitch, The Original Factory Shop, and shops in two halls behind Frog and Scot, highlighting a growing concern about the town’s future. Some residents lament the loss of local shops, pointing to a shift towards tourist-focused businesses and a lack of options for permanent residents.
This closure isn’t an isolated incident. The Original Factory Shop has closed several other stores across the UK in recent months, including branches in Brightlingsea, Bodmin, Chepstow, Fakenham, Harwich, Mildenhall, Padiham, and Taunton. Despite these closures, the company has also opened 16 new stores across the UK since August 2023.
The company has stated that the Deal branch closure was due to the landlord’s redevelopment plans and the inability to renew the lease. However, The Original Factory Shop has indicated a willingness to explore alternative locations within the town. They are also working to support affected employees by seeking to redeploy them within the company.
The closure of the Deal branch leaves three remaining Original Factory Shop locations in the region: Tenterden, Biggin Hill, and Headcorn.
