Discount chain The Original Factory Shop to open new store in Highland capital months after quitting Dingwall
A national discount chain selling goods from homeware to clothing is to open a new store in the Highland capital, months after pulling out of Dingwall.
The Original Factory Shop confirmed a new branch will open in the city in addition to the one opening in Nairn.
Ironically it comes months after the chain pulled the plug on its store in Dingwall.
They are among at least 16 stores the company is opening in the next three months in a move to expand its presence on UK high streets, creating up to 160 jobs.
Some stores will take over former sites occupied by clothing retailer M&Co.
They include the Nairn branch in the town's High Street where 10 jobs will be created although an opening date has still to be announced.
The location and opening date of the Inverness store has also to be announced although the former M&Co branch in Academy Street remains empty since closing earlier this year.
M&CO also pulled out of Dingwall, one of several large retailers to scrap the county town from their rosters.
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Phil Briggs, managing director of The Original Factory Shop, said: "Our investment in new store openings is about making sure we have the right stores in the right place.
"We’re identifying catchments where The Original Factory Shop is not represented and that includes a focus on high streets in major towns.
"Our growth is testament to the importance of multi-department stores and the roles they play in helping local communities.
"These openings will help provide more job opportunities at a time when they are most needed."
