Factory shopping

I'm addicted to factory shopping.
I confess. And I'm proud of it. Over the years it has brought me lots of fun - and some pretty good bargains too.

I was brought up in North Staffs, just near the Derbyshire border. In this area there have always been lots of textile factories, selling off their second grade clothing at very keen prices.

Years ago there was little ceremony or luxury about all of this. Murky factories, old mills, heaps of clothing to wade through among the dust. One of the shops was always referred to as The Grot Shop (I'm not sure it's still there)

I remember the Viyella shop, at Somercotes. Their clothing hung on rails in a section of the main factory and you always took somebody to stand guard as you tried things on (not just jackets, I can assure you..... many menfolk would stand facing OUTWARDS to ensure they didn't catch an eyeful)

Those were the days of ridiculous bargains. We moaned that the best ones were size 8 (did we have size zero in those days ?) but we found marvellous designer items of serious quality that lasted for years.

Then the factory managers realised they were on to something rather promising. It was cleaned up. Fitting rooms arrived ! A car park or two.

And then the Seconds shops gave way to places in the Designer Outlets - De Bradeleis in Belper and McArthur Glen (and Cheshire Oaks but that was miles away)

Refreshments, cafes - it all became big business. And the ridiculous bargains gave way to labelled reductions and marketing.

On my way back from McArthur Glen (which is still one of the best), I called in to see what had happened to Denby Pottery. The blip is of one of the cabinets which traces the history of the product for well over 150 years.

You used to be able to buy Denby seconds for next to nothing. The dirty shed has been cleaned up but still had a few "Manager's Specials". There's a huge car park, organised factory tours, cookery demonstrations - and a great restaurant, Bourne's (named after the family who started it all). In spite of the changing times, you can still buy a pot of tea for £1.20 - they just offer you a choice nowadays.

And I love Bicester too.
Yes. I'm addicted to factory shopping.
And I hope I never recover.