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Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop Placed Into Administration as TOFS Shuts Online Sales

The owner cites weak trading, cost pressures, logistics failures after rescue attempts collapsed.

Overview

  • Interpath Advisory was appointed to The Original Factory Shop on January 28, with stores continuing to trade while online operations are shut and pre‑appointment orders still being fulfilled.
  • A nationwide closing sale has begun across TOFS stores with discounts of up to 30%, and “closing down” signs have appeared as administrators review the business.
  • Administrators are evaluating options that could include a sale, restructuring or site closures, putting 137 stores and about 1,180 jobs at risk.
  • Claire’s entered administration earlier in the week under Kroll, placing roughly 154 stores and around 1,355 roles at risk, though shops remain open for now.
  • Interpath links TOFS’s financial strain to high inflation, weak consumer confidence, rising labour costs, and separate issues with a third‑party warehouse and logistics operator.