Body Central Corp., a mall-based clothing retailer, is preparing a bankruptcy filing that could come within the next week, Bloomberg News reported yesterday. The company is working with the accounting and consulting firm Richter. Jacksonville, Fla.-based Body Central said yesterday that it received a notice of default on $18 million in debt and is assessing strategic alternatives. The company, which lost $70.2 million in the 12 months ended in September, is the latest seller of young women’s clothing to fight for survival. Shrinking foot traffic and encroachment by online sellers have put the squeeze on retailers that count on malls for their livelihood. Body Central, a four-decade-old chain that operates 265 stores in 28 states, had only $4.5 million in cash and equivalents as of Nov. 3.
