Value department store group Original Factory Shop is to open a pop-up store for the Christmas trading period.
The store, also its first shopping mall branch, will trade in in Hull’s Princes Quay for 16 weeks from September 22.
At 15,000 sq ft the store is almost double the retailer’s standard size.
Original Factory Shop chief executive Angela Spindler said the decision to open the pop-up was “opportunistic”, taking advantage of lower costs resulting from tough economic conditions.
She said: “We have thought about pop-ups before but we’ve not found the right site. The economics make sense for this site. It’s an interesting opportunity to try something different.”
Spindler said it was unlikely the retailer would open permanent stores of Princes Quay’s size but, if it is successful, more temporary branches may follow in future.
The store will carry the retailer’s full range but the focus will be on seasonal lines.
Spindler expects Christmas to be “good” this year. She said: “We’re having a very good time at the moment. The first quarter momentum has continued, as it seems offering brands at discount prices resonates with people of all walks of life. “
Original Factory shop generated a 20% surge in EBITDA in the 13 weeks to July 1, while like-for-like sales increased 5.5%.
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