Iconic British Retailer Shuts Down Melksham Store Today After Decades of Trading
A prominent British clothing chain that collapsed into administration earlier this year is set to permanently close one of its UK stores today, Sunday, March 22. The Original Factory Shop, which has been a fixture on the high street since the 1960s, will shutter its busy branch in Melksham, Wiltshire, leaving shoppers with just hours to take advantage of its closing down sale.
Final Day of Business for Melksham Branch
The Melksham store will open for its final day of business today, with all stock heavily discounted in an everything must go sale, as reported by The Sun. The branch confirmed the closure on Facebook last week, stating with great sadness that it would close its doors for the final time on March 22. This announcement follows the chain's entry into administration in January, which put approximately 1,180 jobs at risk across its 137 stores nationwide.
Broader Store Closures and Company History
The Melksham closure is part of a wider trend for The Original Factory Shop, with other branches also shutting down. For instance, a store in nearby Corsham, Wiltshire, closed earlier this week after 28 years in business. The retailer, purchased by Modella Capital in 2025, has a long history dating back to the 1960s. Notably, Claire’s Accessories, also owned by Modella, has similarly entered administration, leading to multiple closures across the UK and Ireland as part of restructuring efforts.
This development highlights ongoing challenges in the retail sector, particularly for long-standing chains facing financial difficulties. Shoppers in Melksham are urged to visit the store today to grab last-minute bargains before it closes permanently.
