Frasers Group – formerly known as Sports Direct International – bought the preppy fashion brand out of administration last year for £12.8m. 

Stores in Bournemouth, Camberley, Cheltenham, Soho, Truro and Witney will shut shop over the next month as Ashley blamed “unhelpful” landlords for the closures.

A Frasers Group spokesperson said: “Since rescuing Jack Wills from administration last year, we have worked hard with landlords to try and keep as many stores as possible open.”