by business editor Trevor Sturgess

Confusion surrounds the future of bookshops after "closing down" posters appeared on store windows across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

While staff and customers feared the notices heralded the end of their branch of the struggling British Bookshops and Stationers, chain, administrators insisted it did not mean they were closing.

Recovery experts at Zolfo Cooper are seeking buyers for the business which went into administration on January 13. Around 40 jobs have already been lost at the firm’s Brighton headquarters. Major distributors halted supplies after their bills were not paid. Cashflow problems and bad weather were blamed for a downturn in business in the run-up to Christmas.

Several branches, including Ashford, are displaying the closing down notice. However, another in Week Street, Maidstone, displayed only the sign "Everything must go." But that was joined this morning by a "store closing" sign in the window and similar signs inside the store.

Representatives of Zolfo Cooper said the notices were a marketing exercise to "maximise footfall and protect the value of the business for potential buyers." All items are discounted by at least 50 per cent.

They said the process was "not about ending the business, rather it is about realising existing stock to make the business as attractive as possible to interested parties."

Administrator Simon Appell said: "Trading across the business has been strong since the discounting programme began at the weekend. As of yesterday, the period for potential buyers to register their interest with us has closed.

"It would be highly premature to discuss any possible store closures at this point in the process, however we can confirm that we've received several encouraging offers for the business and will now be reviewing these.

"We will now continue to talk to interested parties with a view to a potential sale. In the meantime, we'd like to continue to thank staff for their efforts across the business."