The Original Factory Shop has appointed former TJX Europe director Dean Argent to the newly created role of commercial director.

Argent was vice-president and European buying director at TJX Europe, where he was responsible for driving sales in the UK and helping expansion into new European markets.

Argent will start his new role on November 19.

The Original Factory Shop chief executive Tony Page said: “Quite apart from his excellent leadership qualities, broad experience and track record of success, Dean will be perfectly suited to help us drive the development of our branded fashion, footwear, homeware and beauty departments, which are of key strategic focus for us.”

The value department store retailer told Retail Week last month that it recorded EBITDA of £9.4m in the year to March 30, down from £13m the previous year.

Sales increased 0.6% to £163m, a slowdown in growth compared with last year when sales were up 10.4%.