N Brown, the company that owns Simply Be and Jacamo, is considering closing its remaining shops and becoming an online-only retailer as it suffers from declining footfall on the high street.
The move will affect the retailer’s 20 stores and put 270 jobs at risk. N Brown said it expects consultations with staff to be completed by October.
The plan to close the stores, which generated only 2pc of N Brown’s revenue last year, will cost between £18m and £22m. The store estate made a £3m loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.
Angela Spindler, chief executive, said: “This action has not been taken lightly and we will do all we can to support the colleagues affected during this...