New jobs boost for Kirkby economy

The disused building on Station Street will re-open as The Original Factory Shop on Saturday 5th October, with the company investing £250,000 to renovate the store.

The Original Factory Shop is a chain of discount department stores which is committed to small town centre shopping.

Area Manager James Wilmot is confident that the store will breathe new life into Kirkby town centre.

“There’s a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that our blend of great value, well-known brands and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike,” he said.

“Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community and be active in it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can. We will be launching our ‘Make a Difference’ campaign in the town in the new year, when we will search for a local community organisation to support throughout 2014.

“This initiative has raised more than £300,000 for local causes across the UK since it was founded three years ago and we are looking forward to making a difference in Kirkby

It sells a mix of high street brands at heavily-discounted prices in areas including men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashions, home wares, electrical goods and toiletries.

Ashfield District Council’s portfolio holder for Regeneration, Coun Warren Nuttall, said this was further evidence that the authority is working with local and national businesses to make its town centres interesting and vibrant places to shop and visit.

“This is very exciting news for the town on all fronts - The Original Factory Shop has made a significant investment here, 20 more people will be employed and Kirkby will have another exciting new name to add to its growing list of established business settling in the area,” he said.

“The council works very hard to attract new business to the district and I hope is a further step in the continued upturn of Kirkby’s town centre.”