After the High Street haven of mid range designer labels; USC fell into administration earlier this month, and 58 stores set to shut their doors leaving 1,400 employees jobless, investment tycoon Sir Tom Hunter bought 43 of the shops under his West Coast Capital umbrella saving 1,127 jobs. The "pre-pack" buyout still however leaves 15 stores in danger of closing the final curtain and taking 300 jobs away from existing and valued staff if no buyer is found.

Sir Tom's bold "pre-pack" movement made via a new company called Dundonald Holdings Limited may aggravate USC's previous suppliers and landlords who may incur a series of unpaid bills. West Coast Capital partner Jim McMahon shared the perspective of utilising this opportunity as it became clear after a prolonged negative trading period, this was the only viable option USC could take to remain in the market.

USC is the latest of Sir Tom's consumer affected investments succumbing to the crunch and West Coast Capital has lost a vast portion of stake in Wyevale Garden Centres prior to Christmas following a debt-for-equity swap with HBOS. Sir Tom also faced an enforced write off of his full £35m stake and exposure to Crest Nicholson property constructors whilst reducing his 8% stake in McCarthy and Stone property developers. However any suggestion of Sir Tom facing financial difficulties has been shunned by a close source following the payout of several million to keep the USC brand afloat and wishes to continue retail based investment for the foreseeable future.

As the downturn continues to prey on the High Street retail regulars, USC being the fourth hit over the past week alone following the collapse of Whittard of Chelsea, Officers Club and Zavvi on Christmas Eve, 2009 poses a dismal period for consumer facing retailers. The 75 year old childrenswear retailer Adams, employing over 2,000 is set to appoint administrators, PricewaterhouseCoopers this week having given notice in a court filing on Christmas Eve.

The general consensus amongst suffering retailers is to consider the "pre-pack" option which both Whittards and Officers Club are both holding out for and continuing to trade in hope of similar investment. Accountants have estimated 15 more companies will opt for the pre-pack option in January alone.