Boots could see more than 200 of its branches closed in a fresh blow to the high street.
According to Sky News, the outlets are at risk of closure under a restructuring plan outlined by its American owner Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA).
The review will see possible closures during the next two years.
Sources close to the company claim that decisions are yet to be made about the stores under scrutiny, but have acknowledged that a significant number are likely to be shut.
WBA said in April that it was undertaking a review of its Boots The Chemist estate "focusing on low-performing stores and opportunities for consolidation", although it declined to specify then the number that it was considering shutting.
A loss of 200 stores would mark another blow to Britain's troubled high streets - and would equate to just under 10% of the chain's standalone UK health and beauty outlets.
