All The Original Factory Shop articles
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) is a Burnley-based discount department store which operates just under 170 stores throughout the UK after more than 50 stores were closed as part of a CVA in 2018.
-
AnalysisPrice cuts vs promotional offers: what have the discounters decided?
As more customers turn to discount retailers during the cost-of-living crisis, Retail Week takes a look at what changes the value sector is making to appeal to a wider range of customers
-
Opinion‘Wilko’s demise doesn’t mean the death of the high street’
The collapse into administration of Wilko has been seen as symbolic of an ongoing ‘death of the high street’ as the town centres in which it mainly operates face the prospect of yet more shuttered stores – some in places where former Debenhams or Topshop stores may still stand empty since they toppled.
-
NewsPoundland and B&M circle 150 collapsed Wilko stores
Poundland owner Pepco Group and B&M European Value Retail, which trades as B&M, are reportedly in talks to acquire around 150 of Wilko’s stores, following failed attempts to find a buyer for the whole group.
-
AnalysisHow inflation has forced retailers to adapt their loyalty schemes
As inflation has run rampant and customer confidence plummets, retailers have increasingly turned to loyalty schemes to drive sales. Retail Week takes a look at how six retailers have adapted their programmes to appeal to cash-strapped customers
-
NewsExclusive: TOFS to bring back physical club card and extend club pricing
The Original Factory Shop is reintroducing its physical club card to stores and extending its club pricing to all members, Retail Week can reveal.
-
AnalysisRanking: The fastest-growing value retailers revealed
In the cost-of-living crisis, affordable retailers have never been more relevant to price-conscious consumers, but which have been making the most of the mood of the nation? And which are set to turn market share into future growth? To find out, the Retail Week analyst team has tracked group sales across 15 of the biggest value retailers and analysed their compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to predict how much bigger they’ll be in five years’ time
-
NewsThe Original Factory Shop owner on the hunt for new buyers
The owner of The Original Factory Shop has kicked off a sale process after more than 15 years as the discount retailer’s owner.
-
Opinion‘Retail job losses hide a happier employment story’
While Christmas was better for retail than many had first feared, the start of 2023 has been marred by a wave of job losses in the sector.
-
Prospect AnalysisThe Original Factory Shop (Financials)
The year to end-March 2022 (FY2021) was billed as a transformational one for The Original Factory Shop, with solid profitability restored on the back of stellar sales growth.
-
Prospect AnalysisThe Original Factory Shop (People)
Former chief merchandising officer Phil Briggs has headed up The Original Factory Shop as managing director since August 2020 following the departure of former CEO Emma Fox.
-
Prospect AnalysisTechnology strategy at The Original Factory Shop
There has been a steady stream of investments in recent years aimed at improving the retailer’s systems and IT infrastructure to drive efficiencies.
-
Prospect AnalysisThe Original Factory Shop (SWOT)
The partnership with the Co-op, through which 17 TOFS concessions had been established across the grocery network by early 2022, is providing TOFS with a low-cost route to expansion, with more such units on the cards. Management says the ‘store within a store’ model is “an exciting avenue for growth with both parties strengthening their appeal in the local communities they serve”.
-
Prospect Analysis
The Original Factory Shop (Overview)
The Original Factory Shop is a Burnley-based discount department store group which operates just over 180 stores throughout the UK and moved back into online retailing in 2020. While more than 50 stores were closed as part of a CVA a few years ago, the retailer has started expanding again from 2021, primarily through a concession partnership with the Co-op.
-
Prospect AnalysisThe Original Factory Shop (Strategy)
The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) developed a five-year plan to enhance its off-price business model during the year to end-March 2022 (FY2021). The retailer will pursue a combination of organic growth, opening new stores and pursuing strategic initiatives, including developing its online retail presence and expanding its party range.
-
Prospect AnalysisStores at The Original Factory Shop
Investment in the store network resumed in the year to end-March 2022 (FY2021). This covered “significant sums spent on refreshing existing stores as well as opening 20 new locations”, including 17 concessions within Co-op outlets.
-
Prospect AnalysisCustomer and marketing at The Original Factory Shop
Going forward from 2022, the retailer is looking to consolidate its position in local markets by delivering “great value and constant newness” for customers, placing the business at the heart of communities with a truly local approach.
-
Prospect AnalysisSupply chain at The Original Factory Shop
The Original Factory Shop prides itself on its ability to source the best products at the best prices. Its product offer changes frequently and it is constantly looking for new sources of supply.
-
-
Prospect AnalysisThe Original Factory Shop (Outlook)
While the scale of the business has been significantly reduced following the retailer’s 2018 CVA, it has a solid five-year plan for growth from 2021 which covers ongoing expansion, including the low-cost route of partnering with the Co-op, and continuing to develop its online presence following its 2020 move back into ecommerce.
-
NewsTOFS snaps up former Topps Tiles chief in board reshuffle
The Original Factory Shop has appointed recent Topps Tiles boss Matt Williams as its executive chairman as chief executive Emma Fox exits for a new role.
