M&Co confirms north-east branch closure
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STORES in Peterhead, Inverness, Wick and Thurso have said that M&Co branches will close.
A statement released this morning (February 4) across the Facebook pages of M&Co branches in the north of Scotland said that there was no future for stores or staff.
Branches in Elgin, Buckie and Banff had not shared the statement at the time on publication (Noon, February 4), however the Banff branch has posted that any current gift cards must be redeemed by February 12.
The statement released by the northern branches reads: "Unfortunately we haven't received the news we would have hoped for during our administration period, and would like to share this news with you.
"As we haven't received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the Company's stores or staff to a potential buyer, this means that all of our stores will close.
"The M&Co 'Brand' has been purchased, but unfortunately this does not include a future for our stores, website or staff.
"We will trade all of our stores until Easter, and then begin the close down process.
"We will update you closer to the time, of our actual closing date.
"We hope you will appreciate this is also a very difficult time for staff working in the stores and we ask for respect and understanding when raising an issue.
"We thank you all for your continuous support, and we hope to see you all over the next couple of months."
The news follows reports in retail trade publication that the M&Co brand and intellectual property has been sold to a leading online clothing retailer AK Retail, the company that also owns the Yours Clothing larger-sizes chain, plus BadRhino, Long Tall Sally, Bump It Up Maternity and PixieGirl.
However, the shops and staff were not a part of the deal.
Statements from branches elsewhere in Scotland said some stores could continue trading until Mid April, but an end was inevitable.
M&Co Inverness said: "Unfortunately we haven't received the news we would have hoped for during our administration period, and would like to share this news with you-
"As we haven't received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the Company's stores or staff to a potential buyer, this means that all of our stores will close.
"The M&Co 'Brand' has been purchased, but unfortunately this does not include a future for our stores, website or staff.
"We will trade all of our stores until Easter, and then begin the close down process.
"We will update you closer to the time, of our actual closing date."
*RETURNS
Purchases made in store can be exchanged for items of up to the same value, with proof of purchase, within 14 days (statutory rights apply).
*LOYALTY CARDS
Unfortunately, Loyalty cards and vouchers will not be accepted during the administration. The Loyalty scheme is closed to further sign ups, and purchases will no longer qualify for Loyalty points.
*GIFT VOUCHERS
(ALL GIFT VOUCHERS MUST BE USED BY SUNDAY 12TH OF FEBRUARY)
We are happy to accept the full value of gift cards/refund cards in store, provided the value of the gift card/refund card is no more than half the total price of items purchased. No new gift cards are being sold, and no balances added to existing gift cards. Unfortunately, the use of gift cards for online orders have been suspended.
*OUTSTANDING ORDERS
The joint administrators are honouring orders in process at the time of the administration.
*QUERIES
Please contact customer services on
customer-services@mandco.com for any queries regarding orders, returns and general enquiries. Please be advised that we are currently experiencing a high volume of enquiries and we appreciate your patience.'
