Cache Inc is poised to become the latest U.S. apparel retailer to file for bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The bankruptcy filing could come as early as next week, the Bloomberg report said.

The mall-based retailer, which operates 250 women's apparel specialty stores situated in central locations in high-traffic, upscale malls, said in December that it was evaluating strategic alternatives and had received an inquiry regarding a potential sale.

Several U.S. apparel retailers have been struggling to come to terms with stiff competition from fast-fashion brands such as H&M, Forever 21 and Inditex's Zara and online retailers such as Amazon.com Inc, who offer deep discounts.

Last week, Wet Seal Inc became the fourth U.S. apparel retailer to file for bankruptcy in the past two months, joining Deb Shops, Delia*s Inc and Body Central Corp.

Cache was not immediately available for comment.

The company's shares closed down 48 percent at 9 cents on the Nasdaq on Thursday.