Charity begins at town’s newest retail outlet

The local low price department store, based on Market Street, was declared open for business by Vice Chair of Moyle Council, Councillor Sandra Hunter, and Secretary of the Council, Stephanie McLaughlin who were invited to perform the official ribbon cutting duties and learn more about the business’ charity pledge to the community.

Store Manager, Mark Douglas, said: “The Original Factory Shop works hard to be an integral part of local life and is always looking at ways it can put something back into the community.

“We’ve decided to support just one local cause so that we can really make a big difference to them. As we’re new in Ballycastle, we’re asking for nominations from anyone who needs a helping hand; whether it’s a local charity, a mothers and toddlers group, a local children’s football team or a support group of whatever kind.”

Anyone wishing to nominate their organisation should fill out a nomination form in store by Friday 4 May saying why they think that they should be The Original Factory Shop’s charity partner in Ballycastle.

“It’s really that simple,” added Mark. “We’re looking to start the partnership with our first local cause as soon as possible so we’d like to encourage the whole community to make their nominations to that a truly worthwhile cause can begin to receive some much needed support.”

Colleagues at the store will be planning a programme of activity to raise funds for the chosen cause throughout 2012.

The Original Factory Shop is committed to small town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town shopping centres. It prides itself on offering smaller communities Quality Brands at factory shop prices. 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 and homewares, much of it made for other well-known retailers but sold for up to 50% off the original selling price. Shoppers at the 8,000 sq ft store can expect to find a wide range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashions, as well as home wares, electrical goods and toiletries, including a large selection of branded goods – a value product mix that is proving popular in the current retail climate.