The break-up of homewares chain Wilko has begun, with administrator PriceWaterhouseCoopers selling 51 stores.
Rival chain B&M has paid £13m for the branches.
Other retailers are expected to secure further parts of the chain as plans by HMV owner Doug Putman to buy 300 branches seem to have been scaled back.
Major suppliers have said they want their debts paid in full and paid upfront for future supplies while others have warned that it could take six weeks to get products instore.
Putman is reported to have reduced his plans to 200 stores.
Job losses have already been announced at Wilko’s head office and distribution centres.
