Go Outdoors' owners are set to call in administrators as the coronavirus pandemic pushes High Street retailers to breaking point.
JD Sports, which owns Go Outdoors, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators on Friday,
according to reports in the Sunday Times.
The chain employs about 2,400 staff across 67 stores, specialising in camping equipment, bikes and clothes.
The coronavirus pandemic has ramped up pressure on the firm.
It did not comment on the reports when contacted by the BBC.
The Manchester-based JD Sports group bought Go Outdoors in 2016 for £112m. But the chain has been struggling in recent years, and forced store closures under the coronavirus lockdown have further exacerbated the firm's problems.
It is understood the accountancy firm Deloitte has been appointed to oversee the process, which could see the company restructured or requests made for rent cuts or "holidays" for its stores.
A spokesperson for Deloitte told the BBC it had no comment at this time.