'I love this store' fans shout as department stores mark a new branch for closure

SHOPPERS are in despair as a department store marks the closure of another branch.

The Original Factory Shop has confirmed it is closing another store, after shuttering a further three stores in August.

The discounter has closed a number of stores in recent months, but also opened new branches last yearCredit: Alamy

Now the discount goods chain is closing its branch in Padiham, Lancashire.

A company spokesperson said: “We are in consultation with colleagues across the store and are working hard to support all those affected.

“We would like to thank all our customers for their support and look forward to welcoming them to one of our other three stores, all of which are within a twenty-mile radius.”

Shoppers quickly shared their disappointment on social media.

One said: “When I lived there I used to visit almost every week, fantastic shop, such a shame.”

A second wrote: “Such a shame. The staff there are so nice. I hope they all get the job they deserve”

And a third added: “I love this store, I've bought children's clothes and clothes for myself. I love the home clothes too. Such a shame.”

It came after the chain closed a store in Diss, Norfolk, shortly before Christmas.

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The discounter sells a range of bargains, from homeware to stationery.

It has been around since 1969 and had around 190 stores in the UK as of Christmas.

The chain closed stores in Chepstow, Mildenhall and Bodmin in August last year.

This follows locations in Bideford and Stourport closing their doors for the final time in May.

However, the discounter opened more than a dozen department stores between August and October.

New stores opened in:

Kirkintilloch – opened 24 August
Stonehaven – opened August 31
Blandford Forum – opened 31 August
Haddington – opened 7 September
Wetherby – opened on 7 September
Nairn – opened 14 September
Ashbourne – opened September 14
Castle Douglas – opened on 21 September
Penrith – Opened September 21st
Inverness – opens September 28
Attleborough – opens September 28
Ayr which – on October 5
Ringwood – opens October 5
Perth – opens October 12
Lanark – opens October 19
Peterhead – opens October 26

The store closure comes because a large café chain with 473 stores has now closed all its concept branches after eight years of operation.

A family-favorite restaurant chain also abruptly closed one of its branches this week.

The Center for Retail Research recently announced that more than 10,000 stores and almost 120,000 retail jobs will be lost by 2023.

High energy and labor costs have also forced many companies to shut down.

In addition, rising inflation in 2022 and 2023 put pressure on household budgets, leaving them with less disposable cash and causing retailers to suffer.