Caithness fashion stores remain open despite 47 UK closures

THE M&Co clothing shops in Wick and Thurso remain open despite the company announcing the closures of 47 stores, causing nearly 400 job losses.

Among those closing will be eight stores in Scotland, affecting 63 employees.

The news comes as part of a major restructuring of the high street fashion chain, which started off as a small family-run business more than 50 years ago.

After completing the restructuring, M&Co will continue to operate with 218 stores and 2200 employees.

CEO Andy McGeoch said: “We reopened most stores in June and have been exploring every possible option, but it was obvious that the business, as previously structured, would remain under severe pressure from the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.

“It’s not a decision we took lightly, after more than 50 years of trading, but it gives us a sustainable basis from which to rebuild, with the majority of our staff keeping their jobs and 218 stores in high streets across the country remaining open."

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