Sir Philip Green's Arcadia group could see some stores shut down permanently as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, following a string of closures in the past year.
The PA news agency understands Arcadia is in discussion with landlords over leases with rolling break clauses, allowing the group to terminate a lease at any time during a term.
While landlords may be served with three months' notice, it does not necessarily mean the stores will close as new arrangements could be made to keep them open.
It has not been confirmed how many stores or which of Arcadia's brands, which include high street giants Topshop and Topman, could be affected.