The closing date for M&Co in Largs has been revealed - as store manager Fiona Moon thanked staff and customers for their overwhelming support over an emotionally challenging few months.
The last day the department store will be operating is on April 22 - while the Saltcoats branch closed earlier today.
Fiona described recent months as "testing in the extreme", given the circumstances of the impending closure - but told the News that her staff have been completely professional throughout and praised customers for their strong show of support and loyalty.
The News understands that there is a 'tug of war' behind the scenes for the takeoever of soon to be vacated Main Street premises, which is not likely to be vacant for long - but the new occupier is NOT expected to be a food retailer, such an Aldi or Lidl, as has been been speculated.
Fiona said: "It has been a very difficult period for us all in which we have experienced a whole range of emotions.
"I personally have been involved with M&Co for 35 years and a lot of the staff have been here between 11-16 years. It is absolutely heartbreaking for us all.
"The customers have been absolutely fantastic - someone wanted to set up a fundraising page of us but we declined.
"Customers have continued to come into the store and all the messages from well wishers has been amazing.
"April 22 will be our last trading day. It is dreadful and I can't put into words how it feels, but it is going to be very emotional.
"We have known about the impending closure since December 8 and now it is getting finalised.
"I cannot thank the staff enough - every single one of them have been fully committed to the cause and given me their full support and I couldn't have done it without any of them."
M&Co have a total of 13 staff, including management, which has been the case for the past 10 years.
Fiona also confirmed to the News that the Largs based M&Co was one of the company's strongest-performing stores - and considered 'one of the best in the business'.
In a message to customers this evening, Fiona said: "It’s with great sadness to say M&Co Largs will close their doors on Saturday, April 22.
"I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all our customers who have supported us throughout this difficult time.
"I would also like to express my gratitude to my supportive, committed, loyal staff who have also been my strength.
"Please keep on supporting us - we would love to serve you till the end."
The M&Co brand was bought by AK Retail, owners of Yours Clothing, BadRhino, Long Tall Sally and Pixiegirl, after the company was put into administration for the second time in December.
But news of the deal was accompanied by an announcement on M&Co's social media pages stating that the deal did not include the firm's stores, staff or website.
A sharp rise in its costs, coupled with a decline in consumer confidence leading to increased pressure on cash flows and trading losses, was blamed for the retailer's financial woes.
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