Two of Australia's best known fashion brands, David Lawrence and Marcs, could be the next retailers forced to shut up shop after landing in financial strife.
The companies behind the brands have been placed in voluntary administration and an international search is underway to find a buyer.
The move throws into doubt the jobs of about 1130 staff employed by Marcs and David Lawrence in Australia, and another 42 in New Zealand.
Their 52 retail stores, 11 outlets and 140 concessions will remain open while administrator Rodgers Reidy reviews the accounts and tries to find a buyer.
Administrator Geoffrey Reidy said in the short term it would be "business as usual" but it was likely some unprofitable stores would close.
"We do appreciate the ongoing support of customers and staff in what is a difficult time for any business and we will do our best to seek out a buyer and get these brands in the hands of a new entity or a restructure that can allow them to go forward," he told AAP on Thursday.
"We will do our best to keep people employed but where there are store closures required we will have to make those hard decisions."
The sole director of the companies operating the labels, Malcolm Webster, blamed deteriorating sales, poor cash flow and market conditions for hurting the fashion brands.
Mr Reidy said it was too early to tell the extent of the financial problems.
Fears about the future of David Lawrence and Marcs come just two months after fellow retailers Payless Shoes and Howards Storage World appointed administrators.
Children's retailer Pumpkin Patch also entered receivership last October.
Retail consultant Brian Walker expects more trouble in the retail world in 2017.
Many low-to-mid tier Aussie brands were still feeling the pinch from international rivals such as H&M and Uniqlo and having to slash their prices more frequently, he said.
"Australian retailers have been out-muscled and out-competed and haven't adapted fast enough to change their business model," Mr Walker told AAP.
"I think we are going to see more (face collapse), particularly in fashion."
Mr Walker said the timing of David Lawrence and Marcs being placed in administration suggested they hadn't enjoyed strong sales last Christmas.
Part of the problem was that mid-tier labels like those had become less unique and too expensive.
"Consumers are loyal to the experience but not necessarily the brand as they once were. But they are certainly loyal to price," he said.
"I can go to a fast-fashion outlet and buy three or four outfits for the price of one from David Lawrence and it will look great and look new and fresh all the time."
David Lawrence label was bought by the Sydney-based M Webster Holdings from Truworth Ltd South Africa Group in 2000 and four years later expanded into New Zealand.
In 2006, Webster bought womenswear and menswear label Marcs from upmarket retailer Oroton.
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