ABOUT 180 jobs remained in doubt last night as negotiations continued with a potential buyer to save historic North-East department store Joplings from closure.

An unnamed potential owner has been found for the store, in Sunderland, and talks have been happening for several days to agree a deal.

The department store, which has traded for 200 years, faced an uncertain future when its parent company, Owen Owen, plunged into administration six weeks ago.

A deadline of Saturday has been set by administrator Kroll for an agreement to be reached - if that fails, Joplings will be closed and about 180 jobs on Wearside will be lost.

A closing down sale at the store has started, although administrators said that was the procedure for a shop that may close, and did not mean Joplings' fate was sealed.

The closure of Joplings' sister company, Robbs, of Hexham, has been confirmed, and will close on Saturday after trading since 1819.

The Northern Echo reported on Saturday how managers at the Northumberland store were condemned as "brutal" for breaking the news of the imminent closure to their 140 staff after rounding them up by ringing the fire alarm.

Last night, Kroll said talks were ongoing with a potential buyer.

Administrator Philip Duffy told The Northern Echo: "Contract negotiations are progressing with one interested party regarding the sale of Owen Owen's store in Sunderland.

"We are hopeful of a sale. However, if a deal is not reached, we will close on Saturday."