Boots has become the latest high-street retailer to announce its stores are currently "being reviewed" with 60,000 jobs in the UK at risk.
The news follows a shock profit warning issued by its US owner last night (Tuesday, April 2).
Walgreens Boots Alliance said it had suffered its "most difficult quarter" in its history and warned it needs to take "decisive steps to reduce costs in the UK", reports MirrorOnline.
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A Boots spokesman added stores are currently being reviewed - with the group looking at poor performing shops as well "opportunities for consolidation".
It comes after the company previously said 350 jobs were at risk at its Nottingham headquarters - with other stores reshuffling across the country, including two closures in Hull's city centre next month.
There are believed to be around 60,000 UK Boots workers across 2,500 of the beauty retailers stores. The news will no doubt come as a shock to many shoppers as the retailer is still thought of as a go-to shop for many, especially around Christmas.
The chain's biggest high street rival is Superdrug.
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Walgreens, which is also a large pharmacy chain in the US, said profits had been hit by tough competition and falling prices in the drugs market.
Stefano Pessina, the company’s chief executive, said: "While we are not the only company that has been impacted by the marked change in the environment, that’s not an excuse."
Overall Walgreens said it hopes to save £1.1billion by 2022 – up from its previous target of around £750million.
Tuesday's shock announcement comes as owner Walgreens Boots Alliance reported a 2.3% drop in like-for-like UK retail sales in its second quarter to February 28, while comparable pharmacy sales dropped 1.5%.
Union Usdaw is now calling on Walgreens Boots Alliance to enter into talks with representatives over potential job cuts.
Spokesman Daniel Adams, said: "This is clearly very worrying news for the staff in all Boots stores and the Union will be doing all it can to support members during this difficult time.
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"We would urge the company to engage with Usdaw as the trade union for Boots staff to ensure that all avenues to minimise job losses are explored during this critical time."
The news follows Boots' announcement of a major shake-up across its stores which will be a first for the high street.
Boots plans to replace the counters with what it describes as "open furniture, trend driven zones, play stations, discovery areas and live demonstration zones".
It means its make-up and beauty areas will be much more interactive for its customers than ever before.
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