A Bradford-based, French-owned, catalogue firm is feared to be shedding up to 100 jobs in a cost cutting exercise.

Empire stores in Canal Road, a subsidiary of French-owned firm Redcats, has stated that it is to enter into negotiation with staff and representatives regarding potential redundancies.

In a statement issued to the Telegraph & Argus the firm said: "Following a comprehensive review of the Empire Stores business, Redcats UK is proposing to implement important changes to its product selection and sourcing strategy which will potentially require a reduction in the number of people in some functions.

"The proposed changes are necessary to create the structure to deliver Redcat Group's aim in the UK of becoming a profitable and innovative web-driven shopping company, at the forefront of the Redcats Group reinvention."

A spokesman for Usdaw, the union representing workers at the plant said: "We have a long standing relationship with workers at Redcats.

"During the consultation we will study the business plan being suggested and see what implications this has for workers at the Bradford plant. We will keep our members fully informed of the situation throughout the discussions with management."

Redcats UK is a leading player in the UK home shopping market with a portfolio of four brands: Empire Stores, La Redoute, Vertbaudet and Daxon and has in the region of 3.5 million customers.

Redcats UK is part of Redcats Group, a significant player in home shopping for apparel and home furnishing. Drawing on a multi-channel network combining catalogues, e-commerce and stores, the firm generated 4.33 billion euros of sales in 2006 with 17 brands in 28 countries and a staff of 20,000 associates.