UNCERTAINTY surrounds the future of Borders Cheshire Oaks amid speculation the bookshop could be on the verge of administration.
It is believed the group, which includes the Books Etc brand, is holding sale talks with firms including Waterstone’s parent HMV.
Borders Cheshire Oaks, the largest single floor bookshop in the North of England and which includes a Starbucks cafe, employs more than 40 staff.
Since the beginning of the week, Borders' website has no longer been taking online orders.
There have been a number of high-profile book signings at the store since it opened in 2000, including American TV star David Hasselhoff, former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and footballer Michael Owen.
Famous authors such as Terry Pratchett and Jacqueline Wilson have also been at the store to sign copies of their latest releases.
A Borders UK spokesman said discussions were ongoing and it was business as usual.
