Poor summer weather has dampened profits for UK retailers

The stores had been loss-making for some time and closures were needed to preserve the rest of the business, said administrators Ernst & Young.

The company, which has 180 stores across the UK, went into administration on 2 September.

Based in Wetherby, west Yorkshire, YMS has a turnover of roughly �55m a year and employs a total of 1,400 staff.

The majority of the stores being closed are in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

YMS has suffered increasing pressure from tight margins and heavy competition in the discount retail sector.

Weak clothing sales over the summer months due to the very poor weather have made the company's problems even worse.

"I have been encouraged by the level of interest received in the business and believe that the remaining stores are attractive to potential purchasers," said Garry Wilson of Ernst & Young.

"We are working hard to try and secure the future for as many of the stores and employees as possible."