Boohoo considering closure of controversial Leicester factory

Fast fashion retailer Boohoo is considering closing its controversial Thurmaston Lane factory in Leicester and relocating its operations.

The company confirmed to Drapers that it entered a consultation last month, with "less than 100" employees affected at what was dubbed a "model factory" when it first opened in January 2022.

A Boohoo Group spokesperson said: "We opened Thurmaston Lane in January 2022 to support the group in several ways, including manufacturing, printing and training. As in any retail business, the role of our sites continues to evolve over time and, following significant investments at our Sheffield distribution centre and the opening of a new distribution centre in the USA, we must now take steps to continue to ensure we are a more efficient, productive and strengthened business.

"All these factors have led us to make the difficult decision to consider relocating some of the operations at Thurmaston Lane and consider the closure of the site in due course. We are now in a period of consultation and are working closely with all affected colleagues to ensure they are fully supported during this process."

Boohoo said it plans to keep its quality assurance and ethical compliance staff full time and in another Leicester location.