Discount retailer The Original Factory Shop, which boasts a network of 187 stores, is set to bid farewell to a popular store in weeks.

The department store chain was established in Burnley, England, in 1969 but has since expanded across the UK - from Aberfeldy in Scotland to Redruth, Cornwall.

Shoppers in Invergordon, Scotland, will see their local store pull down its shutters for the final time this month.

Bosses confirmed the news on social media, writing in a Facebook post: "We are sorry to let you know our store will close its doors on February 28, 2025.”

The announcement comes amid reports the chain is about to be sold by private equity firm Duke Street, which has owned the business for the past 17 years.

The managers of the Invergordon outlet expressed their gratitude to the local community and their dedicated staff for supporting the branch.

Locals have voiced their sadness over the impending shutdown, with one disheartened shopper commenting: “I'm so sorry to read this! Less footfall… high rents and rates… cost of living… cost of goods, VAT, tax… wages… at this rate, there will be no high street shops left. Small/large businesses are closing left, right, and centre, and it’s so sad.”

Another commented: "Unfortunately, it’s use it or lose it, and that’s the case in this particular case.”

Many locals branded the closure “so sad” and said the “staff will be missed” and the shop itself. One person wrote, “Shame you have to go. We'll certainly miss you. Thank you for supporting local events.”

A massive clearance sale has kicked off, offering a generous 50% discount on all items as the store seeks to clear its inventory before shutting down at the end of the month.

This isn't an isolated occurrence, though; The Original Factory Shop recently shuttered 10 other locations, leaving empty units on high streets across the country.

1. Brightlingsea
2. Bodmin
3. Chepstow
4. Fakenham
5. Harwich
6. Mildenhall
7. Padiham
8. Taunton
9. Deal
10. Haverfordwest

The news arrives during a challenging period for the company, which enlisted the help of strategic advisory firm Teneo in December to consider all possibilities, including another attempt at selling the chain. This could also entail potential store closures or a company restructuring.

A retailer spokesperson commented, "The Original Factory Shop has been offering communities a great range of products at unbeatable value since 1969."

But while the retailer’s ownership has been uncertain, stores have continued to open rapidly. Since August 2023, the company has opened branches in Inverness, Stonehaven, Nairn, and Peterhead.

There are also shops in Fort William, Oban, Fraserburgh, Thurso, Stornoway and Buckie.