Kent's remaining M&Co stores set to close
Published: 18:08, 18 April 2023
Updated: 18:55, 18 April 2023
A fashion retailer which plummeted into administration for the second time in two years is slowly seeing all of its stores close their doors.
M&Co went into administration at the end of last year putting its five shops across Kent in Tenterden, Faversham, Sittingbourne, Whitstable and Deal at risk of closure.
Earlier this year it emerged that all UK stores would be shutting in April.
So far, the Faversham, Deal and Whitstable stores have closed with the Tenterden site set to follow this Thursday.
A date for the Sittingbourne shop's closure is unknown - but it is expected to be soon.
The Faversham team posted on Facebook at the weekend thanking their customers for the last 23 years.
"Thank you Faversham for the last 23 years," they wrote.
"We will all miss being part of the community and seeing all your face's everyday. Thank you for the many cards and gifts we received too, we have been truly touched by your generosity.
"Over and out, Claire, Pauline and team."
Signs counting down until its final day have appeared in the shop window in Tenterden.
"Well we can finally answer the question, you’ve all been asking since our store closure signs went up on December 9," the Tenterden team posted on Facebook last week.
"M&CO Tenterden will close its doors for the final time on Thursday, April 20.
"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our very loyal customers for their support over the years. Especially over these last few difficult months.
"We have been totally overwhelmed by your kindness and support and this has raised our spirits at this difficult time.
"We hope to see you all in store over the next week to say our goodbyes! Love from your M&Co team Tenterden."
The chain was pushed into administration after struggling with rising costs and trading challenges and posted on social media that all its UK stores would be closing in April leading to thousands of job losses.
AK Retail Holdings, owner of Yours Clothing, bought the brand in February but did not purchase M&Co's 170 stores, website or its staff.
M&Co is a Renfrewshire-based company, which used to be known as Mackays Stores Limited. It is a Scottish chain store which was founded in 1834, with the first shop opening in 1969.
It sells clothing for all ages, as well as homewear.
M&Co has struggled previously, last collapsing in 2020. However, assets were quickly bought back by the family who own the company.
It is not clear what will happen to any of the Kent sites.
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Chantal Weller