A DISCOUNT department store has created 15 new jobs in Carrickfergus ahead of the Christmas rush.
Off-price retailer The Original Factory Shop has opened a new store on High Street in the town, taking on the premises previously occupied by Poundstretcher.
The retailer, which sells well-known brands at factory shop prices, has secured a five year lease on the 5,300 sq ft unit and the new store is part of a significant period of expansion for the business.
The Carrickfergus store is one of a series of new openings planned for the coming months, which will add to its portfolio of nine stores in regional towns across Northern Ireland. The Original Factory Shop can now be found in Portrush, Holywood, Ballycastle, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Bangor, Dungannon, Omagh and Carrickfergus.
Acquisitions manager at The Original Factory Shop, Mark Dodington said they had found a "prime location".
“Carrickfergus is an exciting opportunity for our brand and we are pleased to have identified a unit which is ideal for our requirements. We were looking for a prime location which would generate a high footfall while also giving us the space to feature a wide range of products."
"We are in the process of growing our brand significantly remain focused on identifying further opportunities in regional locations," he added.
Retail agency Lambert Smith Hampton helped secure the deal for the latest store and director Ian Henton said they were now "actively" seeking similar opportunities across the north for the firm.
“The Original Factory Shop is an ambitious retailer and the team recognised quickly the potential which exists in a new store in Carrickfergus. Their continued growth is a sign of confidence in Northern Ireland’s local retail offering."
