DEPARTMENT store House of Fraser is set to announce a spate of store closures this week, with new owner Mike Ashley blaming "greedy landlords" for potentially hundreds of job losses.
The Sports Direct boss, who bought the retail chain out of administration for £90 million earlier this month, has been in tense talks with landlords over rents in recent weeks.
Those negotiations have resulted in around seven House of Frasers being saved from closure, including in Oxford Street, Telford and Plymouth.
However, the billion tycoon warned on Tuesday that "time is running out" for the remainder of the 59-store estate.
A spokesman for House of Fraser said: "Some landlords are being very collaborative in order to give us a chance at turning the business around, giving House of Fraser a lifeline and saving hundreds of jobs.
"However, some greedy landlords would rather see the stores close than help save the jobs of hundreds of people.
"We will continue to try and convince these landlords but ultimately time is running out. Some closures will be announced."
It is understood that landlords are reluctant to agree to the low rents Mr Ashley is demanding.
House of Fraser has one outlet in Belfast at Victoria Square Shopping Centre and it is not expected be among the estimated dozen stores, which may close as part of the new owner's restructuring plans.
In June before the Mike Ashley deal was struck the Belfast outlet was not among 31 store earmarked for closure as part of a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to save the retailer from extinction.
Mr Ashley, who also owns Newcastle United, has pledged to save around 47 of House of Fraser's 59 outlets since buying the chain.
He recently agreed a deal to save House of Fraser's flagship store in Oxford Street.
Mr Ashley said: "It is a massive step forward and further enhances our strategy of elevation across the group.
"My ambition is to transform House of Fraser into the Harrods of the high street.
"We will do our best to keep as many stores open as possible."
It has been a challenging 2018 for the UK high street, which has already seen the Maplin and Toys R Us. It has also been confirmed that clothing retailer Simply Be and Jacamo's 20 stores in the UK will close by the end of the month. The brand's solitary Belfast outlet closed its doors on Royal Avenue on Saturday past.
