Almost 1,500 jobs have been put at risk after John Lewis confirmed plans to not reopen eight of its stores after lockdown is eased.
The partnership has said the move will "rebalance" its store estate "to reflect how customers want to shop".
The also confirmed plans to transfer the running of its Waitrose Distribution Centre in Leyland to XPO Logistics.
Its remaining 34 John Lewis shops will reopen from April 12 subject to Government guidance, with the exception of Glasgow, which will reopen from April 26, and Edinburgh, which will reopen on May 14.
The eight shops earmarked for closure include four At Home shops in Ashford, Basingstoke, Chester and Tunbridge Wells and four department stores in Aberdeen, Peterborough, Sheffield and York.
The partnership said it will enter into a consultation with the 1,465 employees affected.
A statement said: "Our department stores remain critical to our future success. They provide a sensory experience that online cannot, supported by the expertise of our partners.
"Having fewer bigger stores allows us to invest significantly to improve our remaining ones, showcasing our inspiring products with more space dedicated to experiences and services. They will be enticing and exciting places to shop, more reflective of the tastes and interests of local customers.
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"Our research tells us that customers want more convenient access to John Lewis so we’re improving the next day Click & Collect service in Waitrose stores and offering more local collection points through third parties.
"We’re trialling the introduction of John Lewis shopping areas in our Waitrose stores and by the autumn, Waitrose general merchandise products will be sourced by John Lewis.
"We will also be testing new formats of smaller, local neighbourhood shops offering the best of John Lewis."
Chairman Sharon White said: "Today's announcement is incredibly sad news for our affected partners, for our customers and for the communities we’ve served over many years.
"The high street is going through its biggest change for a generation and we are changing with it. Customers will still be able to get the trusted service that we are known for - however and wherever they want to shop."
Executive director Pippa Wicks added: "Closing stores is the toughest thing we do as a partnership because we all own our business. If the closures are confirmed, every effort will be made to find new roles for Partners and for us to continue to serve our customers by providing access to John Lewis in different ways.
"Alongside a growing online business and the expansion of next day Click & Collect, we will invest in our in-store services and experiences, as well as new, smaller neighbourhood formats and the introduction of John Lewis ranges in more Waitrose shops."