THE future of a fixture on the Holsworthy high street is under threat after its parent company went into administration.

It has been confirmed that The Original Factory Shop Limited (TOFS), a high street chain most recently owned by Modella Capital, has not been able to overcome recent trading difficulties.

It has launched a ‘closing down sale’, indicating that the future of the shop could be in potential jeopardy, only a short time after it reopened having previously closing down.

The potential demise of the high street chain from Holsworthy’s high street for a second time comes only a few years after its return was celebrated with an official opening by the town’s mayor, who has reacted to the news of the company’s difficulties with sadness.

After its initial closure, discount retailer Bargain Buys opened a store in 2019 before the Original Factory Shop later returned to its old premises.

A spokesperson for Interpath said: “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.

“Founded in 1969, The Original Factory Shop is a discount retailer selling a wide range of branded and own-sourced products, including clothing, homewares, beauty items, toys, and seasonal goods. The company operates 137 stores across the UK, employing circa 1,180 staff.

“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. The company’s online store, however, will close.”

Rick Harrison, managing director at Interpath and joint administrator, added: “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.”

Cllr Jon Hutchings, the mayor of Holsworthy reacted to the news, saying it was a big loss to the town. He said: “It is a big loss for Holsworthy and not for the first time. The first time that the Original Factory Shop left it said it was due to the rent being charged and after a restructuring of the company.

“However, this time it could be different. It is a big shop to fill but I hope it will not take long to find a new tenant. I will be contacting the building’s landlord to see if I can work with them to fill the premises quickly and I wish all the staff the best of luck in finding new employment.”