The fashion chain went into voluntary administration earlier this month with no immediate answer on what would happen with stores or staff.

On Thursday afternoon, however, administrators KPMG announced 37 stores across Australia would close, with 263 employees to be made redundant.

There was no indication how quickly these stores would close down.

There are three outlets in this region including the store in Orange and at this stage they will remain open.

KPMG's James Stewart said the decision to restructure the business was a difficult but necessary one taken in order to provide the business with the best possible chance of attracting a new owner.

"The decision to proactively restructure the business early in the administration process has not been taken lightly," he said.

"We are very mindful of the serious impact store closures and staff redundancies have on people's lives. However, we must also work to maximize the opportunity for this business to be sold or restructured - to give it the best chance to continue."

Mr Stewart said that, where possible, the administrators would look to redeploy team members.

Jeanswest had 146 stores across Australia and employed 988 staff.

The announcement follows struggles for other large retail chains including EB Games, Harris Scarfe, The Reject Shop, Target and Big W.

Stores across NSW that will close include locations like Blacktown, Castle Towers, Charlestown, East Gardens, Kotara, Macarthure, Miranda, Shell Harbour, Singleton, Tweed City and Wetherill Park.