Debenhams has named the first seven stores that will not re-open after the Government's coronavirus measures are relaxed.
The high street chain, which is Britain's oldest department store, said it has agreed terms to save around 120 of its 142 branches.
However, seven stores will shut, affecting 422 staff.
These branches will be in Truro, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Salisbury, Westfield in west London, Warrington, Leamington Spa and South Shields.
The retailer said talks are at an "advanced" stage on the remainder of its estate and that bosses are confident that deals can be arranged "in the coming days" but a "handful" more shops could be at risk.
It was unable to rule out further closures.
"I'm delighted with the progress we are making with our landlord discussions which reflects the pragmatic view the vast majority of them are taking of the current market conditions," Debenhams chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said.
"We have agreed terms on the vast majority of our UK stores and talks are proceeding positively on the remainder, positioning us to reopen these stores when government regulations permit.
"Regrettably we have been unable to reach agreement on seven stores and these will not be reopening, and I’d like to express my thanks to our colleagues in these stores at what I know is a difficult time for everyone"
The announcement comes exactly a week after the company revealed it had gone into administration for the second time this year, placing a question mark on more than 22,000 jobs.
The firm has appointed administrators from the FRP Advisory to oversee the process, which has already resulted in the closure of all stores in Ireland.
The company said it will work to "re-open and trade as many stores as possible" when restrictions are lifted.
Debenhams chief executive Stefaan Vansteenkiste said: "In these unprecedented circumstances the appointment of the administrators will protect our business, our employees, and other important stakeholders, so that we are in a position to resume trading from our stores when Government restrictions are lifted.
"We anticipate that our highly supportive owners and lenders will make additional funding available to fund the administration period."
"We are desperately sorry not to be able to keep the Irish business operating but are faced with no alternative option in the current environment," Vansteenkiste said.
"This decision has not been taken lightly and is no way a reflection on our Irish colleagues, whose professionalism and commitment to serving our customers has never been in question."
All Debenhams' stores are currently closed following the lockdown imposed by the government to combat the coronavirus pandemic, but the agreements with landlords are a crucial component of securing the future of the business and ensuring as many stores as possible reopen.
The majority of its employees in the UK are currently being paid under the Government's furlough scheme - and the 422 affected will be able to continue on the scheme for at least three months.
We've got a full guide on your Debenhams gift card and refund rights, here.
A high street in chaos
Debenhams has gone into administration - but it's far from the only chain suffering at the hands of the coronavirus pandemic.
Over the past month, Laura Ashley has permanently closed 70 stores, while footwear chain Office has been put on the market by its South African owner Truworths International.
And on Thursday, it emerged that iconic shirtmaker TM Lewin is on the hunt for a new business owner.
The London-based retailer, founded in 1898, has been put up for sale, along with its 66 UK stores.
Approximately 650 of the company's 700 staff have been furloughed under the government's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
The company is now open to offers with the auction being run by Alantra, a corporate finance firm.
Flybe has also closed its doors, while Carluccio's and BrightHouse have since collapsed. Cath Kidston is currently looking likely to appoint administrators.
An estimated 20,000 stores will be lost by the end of the year, according to figures from the Centre for Retail Research, a massive jump on the 4,547 that closed in 2019.
According to Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), the consultancy firm managing the collapse of Cath Kidston and sale of footwear chain Office, half of Britain's high street chains may never reopen due to coronavirus.
It comes as the Government announced plans to extend its furlough jobs' scheme to protect more jobs after May.
A&M's study of 34 retailers in Britain, including the Card Factory and John Lewis, found that five already had a negative cash flow before the pandemic had even begun, relying on credit to fund any investment.
The report found that even if sales dropped 10% during the lockdown period, more than two-thirds of retailers would fall into negative cashflow.
But it suggests that sales are set to drop as much as 70% - placing every retailer sampled into dangerous territory.
Richard Fleming, managing director at Alvarez & Marsal, said government measures have so far saved many brands from immediate collapse.
"The next few weeks will be critical.
"Retailers need to ask themselves the tough questions and take steps to address underlying operational issues while they still have the chance,” he added.
