Discount retailer Original Factory Shop has revealed a like-for-like sales hike of 12 per cent in the 14 weeks to March 29 as it attracts cash-strapped consumers.

The 107-store retailer will open 30 stores this year, and has already taken two former Woolworths sites.

Original Factory Shop chief executive and former Debenhams managing director Angela Spindler said: “Our performance over the last 14 weeks reflects our ability to deliver real value to communities across the UK and also highlights our relevance in an increasingly tough retail climate. We’re now looking forward to driving this momentum forwards into summer, especially as more people opt to stay at home this year.”

The company, which said it has benefited from the collapse of Woolworths, will be employing former Woolworths staff in its new stores.

Spindler said: “The demise of Woolworths has created opportunities for us not only in terms of sites but also in terms of staff recruitment. We’ve been able to take on many of those who have lost their jobs at Woolworths and benefit from their years of retail experience.”

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