Factory Connection

Factory Connection is a privately owned specialty retailer that focuses on affordable, trend-driven clothing and accessories for women, men, juniors, plus sizes, and children. The company began in 1976 with a single store in Guntersville, Alabama, and has grown steadily over the decades. As of November 2025, Factory Connection operates 283 stores across 16 states, including a strong presence in Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Kentucky, and other parts of the South and Midwest.

Over the past five years, Factory Connection has continued to expand its reach, especially in small and mid-sized communities that often lack access to national apparel chains. The company’s approach centers on neighborhood shopping centers and strip malls, where it prefers locations that allow for flexible layouts and quick buildouts. This adaptability has supported recent store openings in Texas, Kentucky, and Georgia, reflecting a consistent growth trajectory.

A notable milestone in the company’s history is its transition from a single local store to a leading regional chain, all while remaining independent and headquartered in Guntersville. Factory Connection employs approximately 1,200 people and maintains a distribution center in its founding city. Its stores are known for a broad selection of off-price, branded, and private-label merchandise, with new shipments arriving weekly to keep assortments fresh and appealing to value-conscious shoppers.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Factory Connection’s ongoing expansion, preference for secondary and tertiary markets, and ability to adapt store formats make it a reliable and traffic-driving tenant for a variety of retail environments. The company’s independent ownership and steady growth posture further underscore its credibility as a retail anchor or co-tenant in both established and emerging markets.