Up to 25 jobs will be created in Blairgowrie when the major department store “breathes new life” into the Perthshire town.
One of the UK’s fasted growing retail businesses the Original Factory Shop is understood to be pumping £250,000 into revitalising the old Ethel Austin site.
Work is under way and the new town centre store the latest in a 140-strong chain of low-cost outlets is set to open in three weeks.
Bosses pledged to make the shop an “integral part” of the local community, with a spokesman saying, “We are committed to small town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town complexes.
“The Original Factory Shop’s sales strategy is a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of clothing made for big name fashion retailers but sold for a fraction of the price, and own-brand products.
“Blairgowrie shoppers can expect to see household name brands such as Adidas, Trespass, Regatta, Vax, Silentnight, L’Oreal, Elizabeth Arden and Rimmel all at knockdown prices.”
The 7000-square foot store will offer a range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashions, as well as homewares, electricals and toiletries.
Area manager Fiona Leishman said, “I am confident that the store will breathe new life into Blairgowrie town centre and in these testing economic times will play a very important role in the local community.
“There is already a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that we will become a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike.”
As well as providing very welcome employment opportunities, Fiona insisted the company would do its bit to support local good causes.
“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,” she continued.
“We will be launching our ‘Make a Difference’ campaign in the town, where we will search for a local community organisation to support in 2010.”
Ms Leishman said a “community-based” philosophy had been central to the Original Factory Shop’s recent successes.
The firm has plans to open 30 more stores across the country. Led by CEO Angela Spindler, the former boss of Debenhams, the company has experienced steady growth over the past few years.