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M&Co.
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M&Co.
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M&Co Trading Limited, trading as M&Co.) is a Scottish online retailer and former high street chain store selling women's, men's, and children's clothes, as well as small homeware products. Its head office is in Inchinnan, Scotland,[4] though its main buying office is in London.[3][5] Previously, its head office was at Caledonia House in Paisley.[6] The company previously operated as Mackays Stores Limited until its 2020 administration, previously trading as Mackays.

Key Information

Established in 1834 as pawnbrokers, Mackays switched to selling clothes in 1953 by brothers Len and Iain McGeoch. In 2005 the company rebranded as M&Co. to reflect a more modern image.[7] The chain operates over 300 stores and also has an online presence.[8]

M&Co. closed all of its stores in April 2023 and moved to a sole online company.

History

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19th century

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In 1834, the McGeoch family founded a pawnbroker business in Paisley, Renfrewshire.[citation needed]

20th century

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In 1953, Len and Iain McGeoch began converting their six pawnshops to clothing stores.[9] In 1970, the company acquired Ghinns Ltd., extending its retail clothing business in the London area.[10] In 1986, the company acquired Apparel Affiliates Inc., owner of 140 retail clothing stores in the United States.[11]

21st century

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M&Co shop in a mall in Dubai, UAE

In 2005, the company began converting all 270 of its stores to the M&Co. banner.[7]

In March 2012, the first of several international franchise stores opened, beginning with the first of many in Dubai at the Dubai Mall, with further UAE expansion planned.[12]

In June 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom, M&Co was reported to have sought new backers amid a slump in sales. Professional services firm Deloitte supported its hunt for new investors as the company explored sale options including a pre-pack administration.[13]

In December 2022, M&Co went into administration with Teneo Financial Advisory as administrators.[14] On 6 February 2023, it was announced that M&Co would be closing all 170 stores in the spring of the same year, with the last of them closing by the end of April.[15]

Also in February 2023, it was announced that Andrew Killingsworth's AK Retail Holdings had acquired the company.[16][17] Killingsworth is the founder and CEO of Yours Clothing.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

M&Co.

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from Grokipedia
M&Co. is a Scottish fashion retailer offering women's, men's, and children's , as well as homeware products. Founded in 1834 as a and drapery store in , by the McGeoch family, it transitioned to clothing retail in under brothers Len and Iain McGeoch, who converted pawnshops into stores and renamed it Mackays Stores Limited. The company rebranded as M&Co. in 2005 and expanded to over 270 stores across the UK at its peak, with international franchises in the . Facing challenges from the and rising costs, M&Co. entered administration in 2020, closing 47 stores but rescued by its founders. It faced a second administration in December 2022, leading to the closure of all remaining 170 stores by April 2023 and the loss of nearly 1,900 jobs. The brand was acquired by AK Retail Holdings (owner of Yours Clothing) and relaunched as an online-only retailer in April 2023. As of November 2025, M&Co. operates primarily online via www.mandco.com, with plans to reopen up to 50 physical stores over two years; the first reopened in , , on 3 May 2024.

History

Founding and Early Development (1979–1989)

M&Co. was founded in 1979 in by , along with Carol Bokuniewicz and Liz Trovato, operating initially from a kitchen table in . The studio, named after Kalman's wife, the illustrator , began with modest commercial assignments for clients including banks, department stores, , and Subaru. These early projects focused on elements such as brochures, logos, and packaging, establishing a foundation in . By the mid-1980s, M&Co. had evolved from purely commercial work to incorporating social and political , challenging consumer culture through ironic and provocative designs. The firm expanded its scope to include industrial design, product development, and collaborations, such as identity work for and packaging for Talking Heads albums with musician . Staff grew to over 50 employees by the late 1980s, reflecting the studio's rising profile in the design community.

Expansion and the Colors Era (1990–1995)

In 1990, Kalman assumed the role of for Interview magazine, enhancing M&Co.'s reputation in editorial design. That same year, he relocated to to serve as editor-in-chief of Colors magazine for Benetton, producing 13 issues that addressed global issues like race, AIDS, and through multilingual text and bold visuals. The New York office temporarily closed in 1993 during this period, as the studio's focus shifted to the magazine's innovative storytelling. M&Co.'s philosophy during this time emphasized as a tool for cultural critique, blending modernist with postmodern humor to subvert corporate norms. Key projects included architectural elements for Restaurant Florent, product designs for and WilliWear, and contributions to (MoMA) exhibitions. The Colors issues, rendered in four languages, exemplified the firm's commitment to provocative journalism on underrepresented topics.

Return to New York and Dissolution (1996–1999)

Kalman returned to the in 1995 amid health challenges, re-establishing a smaller version of M&Co. in New York in 1997. The leaner operation concentrated on select projects, including children's books co-authored with and further collaborations with , such as film titles. Tibor Kalman died of cancer on May 2, 1999, at age 49, leading to the dissolution of M&Co. later that year. The firm's archives, comprising over 800 objects, are preserved at institutions including the , and the Stedelijk Museum in , ensuring its legacy in innovative endures.

Business Operations

Product Offerings

M&Co's product offerings primarily revolve around affordable for women, men, and children, designed to appeal to families seeking value and style. The women's range features a wide selection of dresses, outerwear like coats and jackets, tops, , and knitwear, available in sizes 8–28, including petite and curve options. Items are priced accessibly, with many pieces averaging under £50, and include seasonal collections such as autumn knits in earthy tones and textured fabrics for transitional weather. The men's clothing is offered through the BadRhino sub-brand, targeting big and tall sizes (2XL–6XL) with casual essentials like shirts, trousers, t-shirts, hoodies, joggers, and outerwear such as overshirts. These items emphasize comfort and everyday wearability, with prices similarly kept under £50 on average to maintain affordability. Children's offerings include school uniforms, such as dresses and shirts, alongside playwear like casual tops and bottoms suitable for ages 2–16, supporting family-focused purchases at budget-friendly prices. Since the 2000s, M&Co has incorporated small homeware items into its portfolio, including cushions, towels, and kitchen accessories like tea towels, which complement the lines with practical, stylish additions. Sourcing emphasizes quality and , with recent collections incorporating eco-friendly fabrics such as organic and responsibly sourced , reflecting a commitment to ethical production.

Retail and Distribution Network

M&Co's retail network historically featured mid-sized high-street stores, typically ranging from 3,000 to 6,000 square feet, designed with open layouts to accommodate family shopping for women's, men's, and . These formats emphasized accessibility in market towns and suburban areas across the , historically peaking at around 270 stores in the mid-2000s, operating 170 physical locations at the time of the 2023 administration. Following the closure of all stores in April 2023, the relaunched brand under AK Retail Holdings reopened an initial store in , , in May 2024, with plans for approximately 50 locations over two years; as of November 2025, this remains the only physical store, primarily focused in . The company's distribution infrastructure centers on a primary warehouse and head office in Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, , which handled UK-wide for garment storage, , and operations prior to the 2023 closures. This facility supported efficient delivery to stores through integrated systems, including overhead rail mechanisms for garment handling. Post-administration, operations adapted to a smaller scale, focusing on domestic while discontinuing international elements. M&Co's supply chain involves direct sourcing from multiple international suppliers, with rigorous ethical including third-party audits for labor standards and factory compliance. Historically, this included franchise partnerships abroad, such as four stores in the launched in 2012, which were discontinued following the 2023 store rationalization. In relaunched physical outlets, customer experience enhancements include exclusive opening events and personalized shopping support to foster community engagement.

Online and E-Commerce Strategy

Following its acquisition by AK Retail Holdings in early 2023, M&Co pivoted to a digital-first , relaunching its platform at mandco.com in June 2023 using the Remarkable Commerce platform to deliver a streamlined, user-friendly interface optimized for womenswear and expanded product lines. This relaunch marked a shift from pre-administration sales that supplemented physical retail in the to a comprehensive model, with the supporting features like standard and next-day delivery across the to facilitate quick customer access. To enhance accessibility, M&Co introduced a native in October 2023 for and Android, enabling seamless browsing, purchases, and order tracking on mobile devices. The platform integrates with Global-e to enable international shipping to over 100 markets, resuming and expanding global reach post-relaunch with a reported 31% year-over-year increase in international orders and a 57% rise in conversion rates. This supports an approach where online sales complement planned physical store reopenings, prioritizing digital growth amid economic challenges. Marketing efforts emphasize social media engagement on and , targeting women aged 25-45 through styling videos, promotional content, and user-generated trends to drive traffic and conversions. In April 2024, M&Co relaunched its as the M&Co Club, offering 5 points per £1 spent (redeemable at 500 points for a £5 ) with personalized discounts and app integration; by 2025, it includes features like double points weekends to encourage repeat online purchases.

Corporate Structure

Ownership and Leadership

M&Co traces its origins to the McGeoch family, who established the business in 1834 as a in , . The lineage evolved through brothers Len and Iain McGeoch, who pivoted the company to clothing retail in 1953, expanding it into a multi-store chain. Iain McGeoch led as chairman and CEO for over 50 years until 2015, when his son Andy McGeoch assumed the CEO role, guiding the family-owned enterprise through subsequent challenges. The McGeoch family's stewardship was instrumental in the company's growth from a local operation to a national presence. In February 2023, following administration, the M&Co brand was acquired by AK Retail Holdings Ltd., a company owned by Andrew Killingsworth, founder of the plus-size retailer Yours . This acquisition shifted majority ownership to Killingsworth, marking the end of full McGeoch family control, though the brand's Scottish heritage persists under new stewardship. The deal focused on preserving the and relaunching operations digitally, without assuming legacy store leases. As of 2025, leadership is headed by Andrew Killingsworth as CEO, emphasizing operational efficiency and brand revival through and targeted store reopenings. In January 2025, M&Co relaunched its platform using the Remarkable Commerce system. The first physical store reopened in , Scotland, in May 2024, with plans for further expansions. The executive team includes David Preece, who oversees financial strategy post-acquisition, alongside roles in digital and filled to support the relaunch. This structure prioritizes agile decision-making to navigate retail sector dynamics. M&Co is operated as part of AK Retail Group Limited (company number 05150258), a private limited company registered in England and Wales. It maintains a streamlined governance model with a board focused on sustainable recovery. The board's priorities include enhancing online capabilities and selectively reintroducing physical retail to rebuild market position, reflecting a commitment to long-term viability in a competitive landscape.

Financial Overview

M&Co achieved peak revenue of £193 million in , reflecting strong performance in its and multichannel operations during a period of expansion. Revenue subsequently declined amid economic pressures and operational challenges leading to administration. The company recorded a net loss of £888,000 in , primarily due to elevated rental costs and broader retail sector headwinds. Following the 2023 relaunch, profitability efforts have centered on cost reductions through a minimized store footprint. Employment levels peaked at over 3,900 in , supporting extensive retail and support functions across the . Post-administration, the workforce has contracted significantly, with estimates around 245 employees as of 2025, emphasizing roles in digital and logistics to align with the scaled-back hybrid . M&Co has never pursued public listings, maintaining a privately held structure; post-administration funding has depended on investments from AK Retail Holdings, supporting and revival between 2023 and 2025.

References

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/feb/06/clothing-retailer-m-and-co-mackays-close-170-shops-loss-1900-jobs
  2. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-64535978
  3. https://www.mandco.com/blog/post/mco-stores-first-store-opening-announcement-1715
  4. https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/06/mco-reopen-stores/
  5. https://www.eyemagazine.com/feature/article/reputations-tibor-kalman
  6. https://creativehalloffame.org/inductees/tibor-kalman/
  7. http://www.designishistory.com/1980/tibor-kalman/
  8. https://encyclopedia.design/2024/09/12/tibor-kalman-design-tool-social-change/
  9. https://www.artofthetitle.com/studio/m-and-co/
  10. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/05/05/arts/tibor-kalman-bad-boy-of-graphic-design-49-dies.html
  11. https://www.mandco.com/womens
  12. https://www.mandco.com/collections/mco-autumn-edit
  13. https://www.mandco.com/new-in-clothing
  14. https://www.mandco.com/collections/mens-bestsellers-26817
  15. https://www.mandco.com/ben-sherman
  16. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Co-Girls-School-Pinafore-Dress/dp/B097YL12FC
  17. https://www.ebay.co.uk/b/bn_3408766
  18. https://www.facebook.com/mandcofashion/posts/homeware-summer-sale-is-now-on-with-up-to-50-off-selected-items-youll-find-every/131307686892835/
  19. https://www.mandco.com/collections/sustainable
  20. https://www.lincsonline.co.uk/stamford/news/new-fashion-shop-in-the-high-street-plans-for-pedestrianisa-9437642/
  21. https://www.tamworth.coop/news/brand-new-fashion-floor-for-all-the-family-now-open/
  22. https://www.drapersonline.com/news/mco-to-reopen-50-stores
  23. https://metro.co.uk/2025/03/13/six-forgotten-brands-made-a-comeback-debenhams-wilko-22719401/
  24. https://internetretailing.net/mco-legal-action/
  25. https://warehousenews.co.uk/2008/09/new-distribution-warehouse-for-mackays-in-inchinnan/
  26. https://www.mandco.com/company-policies
  27. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-17515155
  28. https://remarkable.net/blog/m-and-co-ecommerce-replatform-website/
  29. https://www.mandco.com/delivery
  30. https://www.mandco.com/blog/post/the-mco-app-has-launched-1624
  31. https://www.global-e.com/en/success-stories/mandco/
  32. https://www.mandco.com/blog/post/mco-club-the-loyalty-scheme-returns-1720
  33. https://www.retail-week.com/people/mandco-boss-iain-mcgeoch-steps-down-after-more-than-50-years-at-the-helm/5079223.article
  34. https://www.drapersonline.com/people/power-100-2018/andy-mcgeoch-ceo-mco
  35. https://www.theindustry.fashion/mco-rescued-by-yours-clothing-owner-ak-retail/
  36. https://dailybusinessgroup.co.uk/2023/02/mco-brand-acquired-but-stores-look-doomed/
  37. https://www.barrheadnews.com/news/24271968.m-co-open-newton-mearns-going-administration/
  38. https://www.theindustry.fashion/the_directory/mco/
  39. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05150258
  40. https://apparelresources.com/business-news/retail/m-shut-50-stores/
  41. https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2022/12/m-and-co-administration/
  42. https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/17924674.retailer-reports-dip-turnover-online-sales/
  43. https://rocketreach.co/mco-profile_b5d962f9f42e5e66
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