THE former Marks and Spencer store in Accrington is to reopen as a new clearance store ‘bring something different’ to the town.

The closed shop in Broadway will reopen as The Original Factory Shop and its sign has been put up outside.

M&S shut its store in March last year after 54 years of trading in the town.

The Original Factory Shop was established back in 1969 and has more 200 stores nationwide.

The new branch will open on Thursday, May 11, and create nine new jobs.

Rachel Marshall, senior brand communications manager, said “Our Accrington store is one of only a few new clearance stores we are planning to open across the country.

“These stores offer high street brands priced to clear, and provide customers with even bigger discounts than our main store chain.

“Each week there will be new clearance bargains for customers to find and we’re excited by the addition of clearance stores to our portfolio.”

The store aims to bring customers UK brands at discount prices and will offers up to 70 per cent discounts across multiple departments including fashion, beauty, home and more.

The former Marks and Spencer store has been empty since it shut last year, when it was was replaced with a new M&S foodhall, six-and-a-half miles away in Rawtenstall.

Shoppers described the closure as a ‘body blow’ at the time but councillors are hopeful ahead of the launch of a new store.

Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: “I’m pleased that someone is taking up the empty unit.

“Any take up of any empty building is very much an improvement.

“A new business will have new job openings and its encouraging in these difficult circumstances for the town centre that businesses are going forward.

Member of the Accrington town team Cllr Tony Dobson said: “A retailer coming in to a store that is empty is extremely welcome and I’m pleased that the area has been able to attract someone.

“You see their shops up and down the country and hopefully it will bring something different to Accrington.”