There are fears for the future of an Exeter shop, as plus size clothing chain Jacamo and Simply Be begins closing a third of its branches.
Two customers say they have been told Jacamo on Exeter High Street, which opened in March 2015, is closing.
However, Devon Live has been told the store is 'high risk' despite being the only one in the Westcountry - and the store has not confirmed whether or not it will permanently close.
The fashion retailer announced the closure of five of its 15 UK stores in June, taking into account "weak high street footfall, both current and predicted, together with significant future business rate increases for some stores."
The firm, which also operates the High and Mighty brand, which also closed an outlet in Exeter, said: "We will be closing up to five Simply Be and Jacamo dual-fascia stores.
"This decision takes into account weak high-street footfall, both current and predicted, together with significant future business rate increases for some stores.
"Together, these five stores contributed £5.0m revenue but accounted for the entire £2.0m operating loss of our store estate in FY17.
"The process will be completed by the end of August and we anticipate an exceptional cost in relation to these of £10m to £14m, of which approximately 70% will be cash.
"We continue to improve the performance of the remaining 10 Simply Be and Jacamo dual-fascia stores."
The company said it will not yet be releasing a list of the affected stores, but it has been reported that its flagship London store on Oxford Street is one of the five earmarked for closure.
A spokeswoman said: "N Brown is currently in consultation with staff and therefore is unable to confirm the specific five locations which may shut."
N Brown made the announcement alongside a trading update, which showed first quarter sales rose 5.6%, driven by a strong ladieswear performance.
Online revenue accounted for 71% of total sales, up 4 percentage points year on year.
Chief executive Angela Spindler said: "Although the outlook for consumer confidence remains uncertain, our offering is resonating with customers."
