All M&Co Highland stores saved from closure in major company restructure
M&Co stores in the Highlands will not be closed as part of a company restructuring process the firms bosses have announced.
There was doubt over the future of branches in Inverness, Dingwall and elsewhere yesterday as the company announced plans to close 47 stores, without naming the branches set to be affected.
The company, which has had a presence in the Highlands for almost 40 years, appointed administrators in April as the coronavirus outbreak forced the closure of most UK retailers.
M&Co’s chief executive Andy McGeoch said more than 200 stores are now safe, including those in the Highlands.
“It quickly became clear that best way to save most jobs and most stores was to enter administration, with a new company acquiring the assets of the old business, and this process has now been finalised," he said.
"Covid has been by far the biggest challenge our family business has faced in almost 60 years, and I am really pleased that we have been able to maintain a presence in more than 200 communities."
The administration process, which is being managed by Deloitte, will see the estate reduced from 265 to 218 stores.
Mr McGeoch continued: “Local economies rely to a huge degree on their town centres and we have seen too many high streets hollowed out by successive shop closures.
"More and more people are beginning to realise that, if they don’t support their town centres, everyone’s quality of living really takes a hit, so we are proud to be playing a part in the drive to shop locally.
“The response from our customers during lockdown was phenomenal.
"We had a steady stream of requests for updates via M&Co’s Facebook pages, with some customers even posting letters through the doors asking when we were reopening.
"It’s hugely encouraging to hear our customers say how much they have missed us after months away.”
