The Original Factory Shop posts 30% profit rise in first half

Like-for-like sales rose by 5.8% over the 26 weeks to September 30 as total sales grew by 13.6%.

The retailer said its strong performance was driven by customers looking for branded goods at low prices. Sales of seasonal fashion and footwear performed particularly well in September, the strongest month in its second quarter.

The Original Factory Shop chief executive Angela Spindler said the chain also anticipates good Christmas sales.

It has opened ten new stores over the first half, including a 15,000 sq ft pop-up store in Hull which will trade for the Christmas period, taking it to around 182 stores. The retailer said it is committed to its strategy of opening stores on smaller town high streets and has identified 450 possible stores across the country.

The Original Factory Shop will launch its new website later this month, offering more than 1000 products including furniture, homewares, electricals, toys and health and beauty. Fashion and footwear will be added in the New Year. Plans for a mobile site are also in development.

It also launched its first in-store catalogue in the first quarter, which showcases the online offer.

Spindler added: “We are trading strongly on Britain’s small town high streets and this is because people are searching for quality brands a low prices and they love the convenience of shopping locally.

“Our online offer has gone from strength to strength and the improved transactional website will continue support our online growth.”