Troubled retailer Wilko has suspended home deliveries on its website as it races to secure a rescue deal.
The family-owned chain said the option was “temporarily unavailable” online but that products can still be ordered through click-and-collect.
Wilko warned last week it was on the brink of collapse after filing a notice to appoint administrators, putting more than 12,000 jobs at risk.
The value retailer and its adviser PwC now have until 17 August to strike a rescue deal.
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The Sunday Times reported last week that Wilko was entertaining potential rescue bids from two private equity firms – Laura Ashley-owner Gordon Brothers and Bensons for Beds-owner Alteri – as well as a rival retailer.
However, there has been little enthusiasm for a rescue bid.
Sources close to the talks told The Guardian it appeared unlikely that a deal would be secured before administrators were called in, with a move being announced as early as the end of this week.
Wilko filled the High Street gap left by the collapse of Woolworths in 2008, but has since faced increasing competition from value retailers including B&M and Home Bargains.
In a bid to boost its balance sheet after swinging to a £36.6m loss, the chain has borrowed £40m from restructuring specialist Hilco, axed more than 400 jobs and sold several of its distribution centres.
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