The beleaguered Beatties store in Birmingham city centre could be offered a lifeline till Christmas.
The store in Corporation Street is one of 12 which will formally pass into the hands of high street rival House of Fraser today.
No major announcements are expected immediately, with House of Fraser expected to examine the future of the store, which has lost more than £7 million since it opened in 2001.
The retail giant overcame the final obstacle to its takeover yesterday, when a court hearing rubber-stamped its £69.4 million takeover of Wolverhampton-based James Beattie.
It is understood no major changes are planned until Christmas at the least.
The shops are expected to remain trading under the Beatties name, but will have access to House of Fraser's suppliers and customers use the company's store card.
The Birmingham store, which employs 300 people, is located just yards from House of Fraser's store.
When House of Fraser announced the agreed takeover in June, its chief executive John Coleman was unable to give any guarantees about the Birmingham staff.
He said at the time: "That store is a major loss maker and it needs to be resolved quickly.
"It is too early to talk about job losses as we don't even own the store yet."
A statement from the company at the time said: "The House of Fraser directors believe that the acquisition of Beatties 12 stores will strengthen House of Fraser's nationwide coverage with the only overlap being in Birmingham
"The House of Fraser directors believe the acquisition provides the opportunity to improve significantly Beatties profitable retail business and accordingly to improve the profit potential of the House of Fraser Group."
But a sell of some properties could be in the offing, with House of Fraser at the time: "
"The House of Fraser directors believe there are opportunities to realise capital values significantly in excess of the book values of certain Beatties properties."
