A major fashion chain has announced it has appointed administrators. M&Co, which has 180 stores across the country and employs 3,900 people, posted the news on its website
It said: "Adele MacLeod, Gavin George Scott Park and Robert James Harding of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited were appointed Joint Administrators of M&Co Trading Limited (“the Company”) on 9 December 2022.
"The affairs, business and property of the Company are managed by the Joint Administrators. The Joint Administrators act as agents of the Company and contract without personal liability."
Many shoppers heard about the move on social media. In a Facebook post the store's Sleaford branch told shoppers: "To all our amazing customers, 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 meantime 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." It was signed The Sleaford Team.
Fans of the shop were quick to post support for workers on social media. Nicola Atkinson wrote on Facebook: "I have been in to the Billingham store today and made a purchase, tried on the jumper and we also bought pyjamas.
"Lovely staff and so sad to think they could be out of work so close to Christmas. The lady serving me was close to tears, I really do feel for all of the M&CO staff. Fingers crossed they are saved."
Susie Green posted: "Aah ! I could cry as M&Co is the only shop I go to and had a great rapport with all of the lovely assistants within the shop. Is our town dying; I hope not and I only hope someone out there will rescue the store as all of the people I know shop there."
And Karen Crawford added: "So sorry to hear about you going into administration. Used to love going into Consett And most recently Hexham Branch. The shop assistant are always friendly. I’ve even got an online parcel on route. Hopefully someone will rescue the stores."
Others also voiced concerns for the store workers. Annie-Rose Westrop said: "While many will be frustrated with what’s happening with M&Co and are concerned about their purchases/ orders let’s remember that the staff that support those shops are now faced with trying to help customers the best they can whilst having the threat of job loss hanging over their heads.
"Please be kind to the staff , they don’t deserve to be treated poorly especially at a incredibly stressful time. I hope customers remember that their frustration is with the company and not the staff members on the shop floor."
