A discount department store chain with a shop in Lancaster looks set to go into administration.
Insolvency proceedings have begun for The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) which has stores around the UK, including at Lancaster Leisure Park.
Owners Modella Capital have also begun a similar process for retailer Claire's Accessories, which had a store in Lancaster city centre until it closed several years ago.
"Very sadly, we have had to initiate insolvency proceedings for The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) and Claire's Accessories UK & Ireland," said a Modella Capital spokesperson on Wednesday.
"This has been a very tough decision. We have worked intensively in an effort to save both businesses, having made last-ditch attempts to rescue them, but neither has a realistic possibility of trading profitably again.
"In these circumstances, administration is the only option. In both cases, the legacy effects of trading prior to our ownership left them highly vulnerable.
"The climate on the High Street remains extremely challenging, and TOFS and Claire's are not alone in experiencing difficulties.
"This is borne out by recent Sensormatic statistics and other data sources suggesting an alarming drop-off in pre-Christmas footfall.
"A combination of very weak consumer confidence, highly adverse government fiscal policies and continued cost inflation is causing many established and much-loved businesses to suffer badly.
"It’s a simple fact that if retailers can’t make money, they risk having to close – and jobs across the country are lost."
The Lancaster Leisure Park store remains open and Beyond Radio has contacted the expected administrators - Interpath - to ask about its future.
An Interpath spokesperson said they were unable to comment at this stage.
After filing a notice of its intention to appoint administrators, a company has 10 business days’ protection while the necessary process to appoint the administrators takes place.
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
