BDO has announced the “unavoidable” closure of three more Ness Clothing stores this week.

The stores in Perth, Edinburgh (Ocean Terminal shopping centre) and Glasgow (St Enoch Centre) will cease to trade during this week. The announcement follows the seven store closures announced to date.

BDO LLP business restructuring partners, James Stephen and Matthew Tait, were appointed joint administrators over Ness Clothing on Friday 23 December 2016.

The company, based in Henderson Place Lane, Edinburgh, is an independent women’s fashion and accessories label that, prior to entering administration, operated 10 stores in Scotland and five stores in England, plus four concessions. The company employed 105 people across its head office and chain of outlets.

Following appointment, the joint administrators have continued to trade the company with a view to effecting a sale as a going concern. The joint administrators are continuing discussions with the preferred bidder and are hopeful of finalising the sale of the business shortly.

James Stephen, BDO business restructuring partner, said: “Discussions with the preferred bidder are progressing well and shoppers and loyal customers continue to support the business. However, further store closures have been unavoidable in the current difficult trading climate. Regrettably, 13 staff from these stores will be made redundant.

“We encourage local shoppers and loyal Ness customers in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth to visit the stores over the coming week to take advantage of the sales and discounts available on all items, with up to 70 per cent off RRP.”

Whilst the sale of the business is finalised, the remaining Ness Clothing stores in Inverness, York, Keswick and the two on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, continue to trade along with the Ness website.

Further, Ness will showcase its Spring Summer 2017 collection at the forthcoming February trade shows.