Upminster’s M&Co store is set to close as the clothing retailer announced all 170 of its shops will shut later in the spring. 

The Scottish chain was bought by AK Retail after being put into administration for the second time in December. 

However, M&Co stores in the UK announced on Facebook that the deal did not include the stores or staff, meaning all of its sites will be shutting.

They posted: “Unfortunately we haven’t received the news we would have hoped for during our administration period, and would like to share this news with you. 

“As we haven’t received any funded, deliverable offers that would result in the transfer of the company’s stores or staff to a potential buyer, this means that all of our stores will close. 

“The M&Co brand has been purchased, but unfortunately this does not include a future for our stores, website or staff.” 

The stores added they will trade until Easter, then begin to close down. 

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AK Retail’s chief executive Andrew Killingsworth said he is “delighted that this longstanding brand would be kept alive. 

“At the moment we are considering all options as we continue to work with our online, third-party partners and others.” 

Additional reporting by PA.