UP to 270 jobs could be axed after the Manchester-based fashion retail group N Brown has announced the potential closure of its high street stores.

The group currently has 12 Simply Be and Jacamo outlets nationwide, including one at The Rock, Bury, and eight High and Mighty shops.

In a report the company said it is focussed on becoming a "global online retailer" and would now be reviewing their stores' futures due to low footfall.

It has now launched a consultation period with its staff to consider the closures ahead the store lease expiries.

The consultation is expected to be completed by October and if approved N Brown has estimated the closures will result in an exceptional cost of £18 million to £22 million.

Angela Spindler, N Brown's CEO, said that the firms full year results highlighted a challenging period for fashion retail, adding: "In line with our online strategy, and given continued weak high street footfall, we have today commenced a consultation process with colleagues over the future of our small store estate.

"This action has not been taken lightly and we will do all we can to support the colleagues affected during this process.

"We continue at pace our journey to become a global online retailer, uniquely delivering fashion that fits. This will underpin our future growth, both in the UK and Internationally."

In the financial year 18 N Brown reports that the stored generated £15 million revenue, approximately 2 per cent of the group's revenue, but recorded a £3 million loss of earnings before interest, tax, deprecation and amortisation.