One third of retailers could be in danger of collapse, according to credit-risk firm Vision-net.
The company stress-tested 5,600 retail firms across the country, and found that 36% of them were showing signs of business failure.
Some 19% were classed as being at medium risk of collapse, while 45% were deemed low risk.
The figures come after recent high-profile retailers including Black Tie, HMV and B&Q recorded trading difficulties.
Vision-net said firms in the hospitality and construction sectors showed the most acute signs of difficulty.