One of the UK’s fastest-growing retailers is pumping £250,000 into a new store in Romsey, creating 20 new jobs which it says will help revitalise town centre.

The Original Factory Shop, a chain of discount department stores, will open a new store in Broadwater Road, at the premises formerly occupied by the Co-op on Saturday, October 26.

The company, which has over 180 stores across the UK, says it is committed to small town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town sites.

The Original Factory Shop sells High sStreet brands at heavily-discounted prices. Many are made for other well-known retailers.

Shoppers at the 4,000 sq ft Romsey store can expect to find a wide range of men’s, ladies’ and children’s fashions, as well as homewares, electrical goods and toiletries.

Area manager, Steven Caie, said: “There’s a real buzz around town about us opening and the feeling is that our blend of great value, well-known brands and unbeatable prices will make us a firm favourite with local and visiting shoppers alike.

“Our aim is to be an integral and valuable member of the community and be active in it, supporting local people in as many ways as we can. We will be launching our ‘Make a Difference’ campaign in the town in the new year, when we will search for a local community organisation to support throughout 2014.

“This initiative has raised more than £300,000 for local causes across the UK since it was founded three years ago and we are looking forward to making a difference in Romsey.”

The Original Factory Shop says its expansion programme will see 30 new stores open across the UK each year.

David Willox, president of Romsey Chamber of Commerce welcomed the store. “It’s great to see new shops coming to the town and this is one which has a distinctive offering which will attract people some distance.”

They are the second national chain on its way to Romsey.

Last monthn clothing giant Fatface announced that it would be taking over the unit in The Hundred vacated by shoe shop, Stead & Simpson.

Simon Lee, retail agency partner, with Salisbury-based Myddelton & Major, who marketed the Broadwater Road premises, says this showed a renewed confidence in the town.

“It helps to have some positive news after we’ve had a lot of negativity. The spectre of Tesco has been on people’s shoulders.”

He said the Original Factory Shop was not the only bidder interest in the former Co-op premises and Myddelton & Major were also hopeful of finding a tenant for 4, Market Place, formerly the Style Room.

Mr Lee could not say who the new occupant would be, but confirmed it was not a charity shop, but an existing Romsey business that was expanding.