With the impending close of The Original Factory Shop in Wokingham, the administrators of the company have confirmed your right as a consumer.
Rick Harrison and James Clark from Interpath were appointed joint administrators to The Factory Shop Limited, trading as The Original Factory Shop, on January 28, 2026.
In common with other high street retailers, the company had experienced challenging trading conditions, driven by high cost inflation, fragile consumer confidence and Government policies which have led to significant increases in employment costs. This was exacerbated by issues with the company’s third-party warehouse and logistics operator, which significantly impacted sales.
Following their appointment, the joint administrators will continue to trade all 137 stores as a going concern while they assess options for the business.
Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, said: “The Original Factory Shop has long-been a cornerstone of local high streets up and down the country.
“Unfortunately, however, trading challenges have impacted the business such that the Company had to be placed into administration.
“Over the coming weeks, we will be working closely with TOFS dedicated team of employees as we endeavour to operate all stores as a going concern while we assess options for the business.”
Information for customers
-
All retail stores will remain open and operational while the joint administrators assess options for the business.
-
All goods purchased prior to 28 January 2026 can be exchanged for goods to the same value or less when accompanied by proof of purchase in line with the stores’ returns policy.
-
All goods purchased on or after January 28, 2026 will be ‘sold as seen’ and returns can only be accepted on the grounds that the goods are faulty.
-
All refunds require the authorisation of the store manager.
-
The company’s online store will close with immediate effect.
-
Orders placed online before January 28, 2026 will be delivered as usual.
-
This does not affect the customer’s statutory rights.
The shop in Market Place, Wokingham, currently remains open with a “closing down sale”.
As reported by Wokingham Today last week, new occupiers for the soon-to-be-empty shore are close to signing a legal agreement for the unit, although their identity remains confidential.
