Angela Spindler takes lead at Original Factory Shop

Spindler, who unexpectedly left Debenhams at the beginning of last month after only a year and previously headed Asda’s George fashion business, will start at Original Factory Shop in early January and become an investor in the business.

She replaces incumbent boss George Foster, the former TJ Hughes chief executive, who will remain an investor and non-executive director at the retailer.

Spindler expects to lead Original Factory Shop through further growth as it taps demand for value.

The 102-store business, which generates sales of£80 million annually, intends to open another 15 to 20 shops a year and positions itself as a “local” department store in smaller towns and secondary locations.

Original Factory Shop was established in 1969 as a retailer of Marks & Spencer seconds as part of Peter Blacks, and was bought by Duke Street Capital for£68.5 million a year ago. It sells homewares, electricals and toiletries as well as clothing.

Spindler said: “There’s great momentum in this business. It ticks every box – it’s value-based, it’s very flexible from a trading perspective and has access to good brands.

“What I love is that it’s a growth agenda – building something rather than restructuring or consolidating.”

She believes that many middle-market retailers will continue to struggle in 2009 and maintained: “Quality and low prices will continue to take share. Consumers will still be feeling the pinch and it’s going to take a long time for confidence to be rebuilt.”

Original Factory Shop chairman David Williams said: “Angela’s experience, initially in consumer marketing and more recently as one of the UK’s foremost retailers, is exactly suited to Original Factory Shop and the opportunities we have to further develop our business.”

Last year Original Factory moved its headquarters and warehouse to premises capable of servicing up to 200 stores.