Professionalism of M&Co staff praised on 'sad day for Dingwall' as High Street store closes doors for the last time
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THE disappearance of a fashion retailer from a Ross-shire town this week has been lamented – amid a focus on the regeneration of its High Street.
As previously reported, fashion retailer M & Co, which had around 180 UK stores, appointed Teneo Financial Advisory as an administrator at the end of last year.
Its plan was to close all of its stores by Easter although closure details varied across its portfolio.
It was confirmed this week that the chain's Dingwall High Street branch would close on Tuesday.
That was preceded by a call to customers for a final "everything must go" sale.
Dingwall and Seaforth councillor Angela Maclean said: "This is a sad day for Dingwall now M&Co is closed – yet another blow to our local High Street.
"I would like to pay tribute to the staff who have worked in the store over the years for their helpfulness and professionalism right to the last day. People came from far and wide to buy clothes and gifts for their families and were also able to collect their online orders from staff which was a popular service.
"As a store they catered for all age groups and genders and will leave a huge gap in the opportunity to buy locally without having to go to Inverness."
Asked about the future of the site, she said: "What next for the site is unclear at this stage, the owners may decide to sell or already be in discussion with a potential business.
"As local members we have not been informed as yet. However, the regeneration of the Dingwall High Street and supporting local businesses that are in and around the wider area is a major priority for local members.
"We are aware of the difficulties our SMEs have had during Covid, with increases in utilities costs and the ongoing cost of living crisis adding further pressure. Having choice and an attractive place to visit and for tourists to stop and spend in Dingwall is vital for our local economy. We are fortunate to have a number of new small businesses opening shortly within the town which is a boost in confidence for Dingwall."
In an earlier statement, a spokesman for Teneo said: “Like many retailers, the company has experienced a sharp rise in its input costs, which has coincided with a decline in consumer confidence leading to increased pressure on cash flows and trading losses."
M&Co previously fell into administration in August 2020, when it was bought back by its Scottish owners the McGeoch family in a pre-pack deal that saw it close 47 stores.
