National retailer to leave Rushden High Street after entering administration but closure date remains unknown

The Original Factory Shop, which has stores in 137 locations in the UK, went into administration in January, with uncertainty surrounding the fate of its stores and which, if any, would remain open.

Signs in the window of the shop in Rushden’s High Street have confirmed its planned closure, though staff and customers remain in the dark regarding a closure date.

An update on the company’s website simply says the closure is coming ‘soon.’

A statement on the Rushden store’s Facebook page reads: “The whole company is currently in administration, this is not just our store, and as of yet we do not have a closing date, but if we do we will let everyone know.

“Please treat our colleagues with some sympathy and respect, we are going through a very challenging time currently as these are our jobs and we do not know what the future holds.

“We are dealing with a larger volume of workload currently with new stock still arriving, departments are continuing to be reduced as and when the company decides and we are dealing with a lot more customers which is great, but please bare with us we are doing our best.

“We continue to be here for the community as much as we can during these tough times for our team. And we thank all of those amazing customers we have that come through our door.”

The Original Factory Shop has been in business since 1969 offering discounted brand items such as clothing, homeware, and toys.

Modella Capital, the same company which bought WHSmith in summer last year, purchased The Original Factory Shop in February 2025.

However, administrators were appointed on January 28 this year to ‘assess options for the business’, and the brand’s online store closed immediately, though brick-and-mortar stores continued on until an official closure date could be determined.

The Original Factory Shop has been contacted for comment.