A WELL-KNOWN retailer is to close 13 outlets, resulting in more than 90 job losses.

Scotmid will shut seven of its Semichem stores along with all six of its remaining Fragrance House branches. Several positions within the Semichem warehouse in Livingston, and specific head office support services, will also be lost.

Scotmid, the company which owns both businesses, say they will convert the six Fragrance House stores into Semichem clearance stores until leases expire.

John Brodie, chief executive officer at Scotmid, said: "Whilst we are a co-operative, we are also a commercial organisation, which at times has to make difficult but necessary decisions.

"By acting now, we can protect the majority of our workforce, whilst still looking at future opportunities to grow.

"All staff have been informed and discussions are currently under way to determine if there are opportunities for employees within other areas of our business who have been impacted by these decisions."

The Semichem stores will close in South Shields, Dundee Wellgate Centre, Dunfermline, Carryduff, Shawlands, Raeburn Place Edinburgh, and Livingston. The Fragrance House outlets to shut are in Aberdeen, Falkirk, Braehead, Livingston, Dundee, and Buchanan Galleries in Glasgow.

The company said it had attempted to keep their non-profitable stores open by negotiating revised leases with landlords. However, Mr Brodie admitted that not all could be saved.

The Scottish high street has faced months of uncertainty with a number of high-profile companies pulling out of town and city centres.