Five Kent clothing stores face closure as a fashion retailer has fallen into administration for the second time in two years.

M&Co, which has shops in Tenterden, Faversham, Sittingbourne, Whitstable and Deal, has struggled in the face of trading challenges and rising costs.

'Store closing' signs have appeared in the windows of its Tenterden and Faversham branches - two of 170 across the country - but the fate of the remaining three in Kent is not yet known.

Joint administrator Gavin Park said: “Like many retailers, the company has experienced a sharp rise in its input costs, which has coincided with a decline in consumer confidence leading to trading challenges.

"Despite a very loyal customer base, particularly in local markets, and a well-recognised brand, the current economic outlook has placed increasing pressure on the company’s cash position.”

It is understood the decision to place M&Co into administration will put thousands of jobs at risk.

No immediate redundancies have been made and the joint administrators are now looking to sell the business. The company will continue to trade from its stores and website in the meantime.

The Renfrewshire-based company, which used to be known as Mackays Stores Limited, is a Scottish chain store which was founded in 1834, with the first shop opening in 1969.

It sells clothing for all ages, as well as homewear.

M&Co has struggled previously, last collapsing in 2020. However, assets were quickly bought back by the family who own the company.

A sign has appeared in the window of the store in Tenterden high street announcing the company's administration.

It reads: "Gavin Park, Adele MacLeod and Rob Harding of Teneo Restructuring Limited were appointed joint administrators of the companies on the 9 December 2022.

"The affairs, business and property of the company are being managed by the joint administrators. The joint administrators act as agents of the company and contract without personal liability.

"The joint administrators are authorised by the institue of chartered accountants in England and Wales.

"All licensed insolvency practitioners of Teneo Restructuring Limited are licensed in the UK."

Sue Ferguson, from My Tenterden, says she will will be disappointed to see M&Co leave the high street.

"I’m sad to see M&Co go into administration and I’m sad for the staff who have put so much into their store," she said.

"All high streets need a good balance of shops, and high streets have to adapt to survive. Some are more able to adapt than others and Covid has been tough for some shops, and of course now the cost-of-living crisis.

"Ashford Borough Council needs to do more to help Tenterden High Street by offering more free parking options – not just the odd hour or a couple of days at Christmas or on Sundays – to encourage more people into the high street.

"While we need to keep traffic flowing and for people to park sensibly, we do need a lighter approach from the civil enforcement officers – so encouragement rather than heavy enforcement which drives trade away from the high street."