Factory Connection, a new "fashion forward" clothing store offering junior, misses, plus size, men's, shoes and accessories, is now open in Northridge Shopping Center in Russell Springs, according to Mitzi Conner, the store's manager.

With the business being open a week today, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the business on Wednesday featuring local business and civic leaders, representatives from the chamber of commerce, Chamber President Joy Fletcher, Judge-Executive Gary Robertson, Deputy Judge Chris Ramsey, Tourism Director John Carter as well as employees of the new Russell Springs store.

"The chamber is so excited to welcome Mitzi Conner and the Factory Connection to Russell Springs," Fletcher said. "We are excited about the expanded retail opportunities and having this new business and growth in our county. We encourage everyone to come out and shop here and come see what the chamber has to offer businesses in Russell County."

Fletcher said the chamber is growing as new businesses begin to make their way here.

"There are more resources for businesses, more opportunities and better networking," she said. "The economy seems to be slowly improving."

Centered in Albertville, Ala., Factory Connection has been in business for more than 35 years and now has 254 stores open in 10 states with more than 40 more expected to open this year, according to Teresa Weddle, a Monticello native who oversees 11 Factory Connection stores in Kentucky.

"We sell name brands for less," Weddle said. Weddle said the company likes targeting small towns and giving more clothing options to the folks that live there.

"We've been very busy," she said. "We were welcomed with open arms. It seems like everyone was really waiting for us."

The store prides itself with offering the latest styles and trends as well as up to 20-50 percent off every day.

Conner said the store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with Mondays and Wednesdays being shipment days.

She likened the shipments to Christmas, saying she never knows what type of clothing will be shipped to the store, so customers will always see fresh and new items each week.

Conner said she was new to the business after working locally in finance for 20 years and just needed a change. Factory Connection afforded her the opportunity and she took it and ran.

"We look forward to serving the people of Russell County," she said.

Factory Connection first opened its doors in 1976 in Guntersville, Alabama. The company was founded by Terry Scott and Kenny Littleton, who remain active in its management and daily operations.

Katie Miller is the local store's assistant manager while Brittany Redmon, Nancy Aker and Meghan Hadley are sales associates.

According to their website Factory Connection is committed to providing convenient access to the latest fashions for customers in smaller towns.

"Thanks to our innovative concept and strong relationships with major manufacturers, we are pleased to make major fashion brands available - and affordable - for everyone," it reads.

Factory Connection can be visited on the Internet at www.factory-connection.com