One of the UK's fastest-growing retail businesses is pumping �250,000 into a new store in Tranent, creating 20 new jobs.

The Original Factory Shop, the local low price department store chain, will open a new store in the former Haldanes premises on Haddington Road next Saturday (May 5).

The company has more than 170 stores and "is committed to small town centre shopping in an era when many other big businesses are moving to out-of-town shopping centres".

The Original Factory Shop, which also recently opened a store in Dunbar, is led by CEO Angela Spindler, the former boss of Debenhams.

The chain's sales strategy is a mix of well-known high street brands at heavily discounted prices, together with an extensive range of clothing and home wares, much of it made for other well-known retailers but sold for up to 50 per cent off the original selling price.

Shoppers at the 9,990 sq ft Tranent store (pictured right) 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.

Area manager Lisa Clark is confident that the store will breathe new life into Tranent and in these testing economic times, play an important role in the community.

"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," she said. "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, where we will search for a local community organisation to support in 2012.

"This initiative has raised more than �100,000 for local causes across the UK since it was founded two years ago and now we are looking forward to making a difference in Tranent." Haldanes' stores in Tranent and Prestonpans closed their doors in June last year, with the loss of about 50 jobs, when the business went into administration.

The Courier reported in February that supermarket giant Asda had bought the Haldanes site.

It is subject to a lease-hold interest to The Co-operative until 2017.

Members of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council (TECC) were very positive about the new store at the group's meeting on Tuesday.

Joan Ramsay, chair of TECC, said: "We welcome the opening of the Original Factory Outlet store in Haldanes' old premises, which should create several new local job opportunities.

"It is also good to have the property occupied, as it reduces the risk of vandalism."