SCOTS fashion retailer M&Co has collapsed into administration just two weeks before Christmas.
The firm, which was founded in 1961, announced the news on social media this weekend.
The longstanding fashion retailer has numerous stores across the UK selling high street fashion and homeware.
But it has now fallen into administration after a difficult period during the coronavirus pandemic.
Staff at the company's Kirkwall branch shared the news on Facebook on Saturday before the team at Largs shared the update in the early hours of this morning.
As they announced the future of the store, staff added that they hope it can still be saved.
M&Co added that a 25 per cent off full price discount for all customers will now be in place for the foreseeable.
However they will not be scanning loyalty cards or accepting reward vouchers.
The statement on the Largs store Facebook page said: "To all our amazing customers, this is not an easy message to convey..
"M&Co have entered into administration as of the 9th December 2022.
"We are hoping for a positive outcome and that our lovely shops will be saved but in the mean time there are a few things we would like our customers to be aware of…
"Currently we are unable to process refunds back to original payment, we can exchange only any goods for the same value or above, this also includes items purchased through the website.
"We are currently not scanning loyalty cards to add points and we cannot accept reward vouchers.
"The 25% off full price discount is now open to all customers who shop with us and will continue for the foreseeable..
"We will be doing our best to keep a positive shopping environment for all our customers and despite the circumstances we remain positive!
"We hope to see many shoppers about over the Christmas period and will do our best to help in all ways possible".
A member of staff who works at the M&Co in Renton, West Dunbartonshire, has been left "devastated" by the news.
Frances Thomson, who worked at the store for seven years, asked customers to "pray for a positive outcome" after she has been left unable to sleep.
Posting on Facebook, she wrote: "Here we go again … can’t sleep.
"To everyone of you our amazing customers thank you for all the hugs and the kindness you all showed yesterday.
"It is with a heavy heart , we were given sad news on Friday.
"M&Co my second family has entered Administration.
"We are devastated…..
"I have been employed there for 7 years now and although I loved working in other employment….
"This has been the most amazing company to work for we are not just work colleagues we are friends and family throughout…
"My customers have turned into good friends .. (Aunty’s and Uncles )
"Yesterday we all put on a brave face but there was lots of tears from ourselves and from our customers who were devastated by this news.
"Please please pray for a positive outcome that we will be bought over but in the mean time we need your support come shop with us and show that we are needed on the high street."
Recently we told how Scotland's largest shopping centre collapsed into administration last month.
The owner of EK, in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, has become insolvent, appointing administrators on Wednesday, November 16.
The administrators from Interpath Advisory said the centre would remain open.
They added that all day-to-day operations would "continue unaffected by the administration process".
While jobs were at risk at Joules, which has 132 stores, after it failed to secure extra funds following talks with potential investors.
The retailer has branches in Edinburgh, Braehead, Perth, Oban, Stirling, St Andrews, Inverness and Aberdeen.
We also told how Marks & Spencer announced plans to shelve dozens of stores over the next five years as part of a national shake-up.
The struggling chain said it plans to close a further 67 stores that have "lower productivity".
We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@thesun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200
Man accused of murdering sex worker Emma Caldwell 'attacked 28 women over 26yrs'
Thousands of Scots homes without power & residents stuck indoors amid heavy snow
Killer left message telling girlfriend 'I had fun' hours after killing her
Desperate search for two teens last seen at notorious Glasgow spot in -9C temps
©News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. “The Sun”, “Sun”, “Sun Online” are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers’ Limited’s Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries Contact Us. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click here.
