BATHGATE STORE SAVED AFTER ADMINISTRATION
The M&Co clothing store in Bathgate has been saved after the company announced cutbacks – but its branch in Linlithgow will shut with the loss of six jobs.
The company expressed its “enormous regret”at being forced to close 47 stores as part of a restructuting process, including one in Linlithgow.
M&Co said the move had, however, saved 200 branches UK-wide.
The company, which has had a presence in Bathgate for over 50 years, appointed administrators in April as the coronavirus outbreak forced the closure of most UK retailers for almost four months.
M&Co’s chief executive Andy McGeoch said the move had saved over 2200 jobs nationwide but added he was“desperately sorry” he could not save all jobs.
He said:“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.
“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 over 200 communities.
“Covid-19 means many people don’t feel comfortable travelling on public transport or visiting busy city centres and that can be good news for local high street stores like M&Co.
“That’s why we are looking at ways of working in partnership with other local retailers to highlight the tremendous range of shopping that can be found in communities like this all over the country.
“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 most difficult part of this process is undoubtedly seeing colleagues in stores leaving the business.”