Potential buyer looking at Value City stores

COLUMBUS (AP) — The Columbus company that owns the Value City discount stores says a potential buyer may be interested in acquiring all or part of the chain.

The party isn’t being identified, but Retail Ventures says it has agreed to enter into 25 days of exclusive negotiations.

Since late last year, the company has been looking at what to do with its troubled Value City stores. The division’s sales have been sliding, with third-quarter sales down 13.4 percent at stores open at least a year.

There are 113 Value City stores operating east of the Mississippi.

Retail Ventures’ other businesses include the Filene’s Basement closeout chain and shoe retailer DSW.