Yorkshire retailer's £250,000 investment in town
ONE of the UK's fastest-growing retail businesses is set to breathe new life into Otley town centre, investing £250,000 and creating 20 new jobs.
The Original Factory Shop low-price department store chain has opened a new shop on the site of the former Netto discount supermarket, at 45 Boroughgate.
And the 20 new positions, ranging from store manager to part-time shop assistant, have all been recruited from Otley and the surrounding area – creating a valuable employment boost for the town.
The 6,000 sq ft shop will stock well-known brands such as Adidas, Regatta, Silentnight, L'Oreal and Elizabeth Arden at discounted prices, along with a range of "cut label" and own-brand products.
Explaining why the firm had picked Otley as the site for its next store, a spokeswoman said: "The company is committed to opening up in small towns, so Otley is the perfect fit for us."
And area manager Darren Scott is confident the store will help revitalise the town and play an important role during these testing economic times.
He said: "Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community, an active member of it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can.
"We will also be launching our 'Make a Difference' campaign in the town, where we will search for a local community organisation to support in 2010."
The Original Factory Shop will sell a range of men's, ladies' and children's fashions, homewares, electricals and toiletries.
The firm was established in 1969 as part of Peter Black's, selling over-makes and seconds manufactured for M&S.
It now has a turnover of over 100 million, with more than 1,400 employees across more than 100 locations.
Under the leadership of chief executive Angela Spindler, who joined the firm last year, the company has experienced steady growth.
It is now one of the UK's most popular value retailers, with expansion plans that will see 30 more stores open across the country this year.
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