According to the research by insolvency trade body R3, next January could see a repeat of this year when there was a "clear out" of high-street retailers. It speculated that as many as 23 household names could close.

The survey claimed that retailers have deliberately delayed starting insolvency proceedings until the new year, hoping they will recoup money over the festive period, while creditors adopt a similar practice, in the hope that they will receive higher returns due to increased takings during December.

However, rising unemployment is expected to result in less consumer spending this year and this decrease could push many retailers into insolvency in early 2010. 

Peter Sargent, president of R3, said: "The retail sector faces another bloodbath. While it would be comforting to think that the worst of the downturn is over, it’s worth remembering that insolvency peaks after a recession ends."

Earlier this year, several major retailers, long-considered sure bets for printers, went bust, with a knock-on effect on printers.

For example, Isle of Wight printer West Island Group went through a restructuring process in July after Woolworths left it with a £2m debt.