Uncertain future for Kirkcaldy store as fashion retailer on brink of collapse

A fashion retailer which owns a shop in the Lang Toun has signalled its intention to call in administrators.
The future of the Peacocks store in the Mercat, Kirkcaldy looks uncertain as the store's owner Edinburgh Woollen Mill calls in administrators. Pic: Google Maps.The future of the Peacocks store in the Mercat, Kirkcaldy looks uncertain as the store's owner Edinburgh Woollen Mill calls in administrators. Pic: Google Maps.
The future of the Peacocks store in the Mercat, Kirkcaldy looks uncertain as the store's owner Edinburgh Woollen Mill calls in administrators. Pic: Google Maps.

High street fashion chain Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM), which owns Peacocks in the Mercat, is close to collapse, according to documents filed with the High Court.

Bosses wrote to affected staff on Friday morning, warning them that the national and local lockdowns had hit sales very heavily.

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The move by EWM, owned by businessman Philip Day, will see insolvency specialists at FRP doing an urgent review ahead of further action.

In the meantime, all stores will continue trading and further details will be announced in due course, the company added, but significant changes are expected.

An FRP spokesman said: “Our team is working with the directors of a number of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group subsidiaries to explore all options for the future of its retail brands Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Jaeger, Ponden Home, and Peacocks.”

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