Body Central Is Said to Prepare for Bankruptcy Within a Week

Body Central Corp., a mall-based clothing retailer, is preparing a bankruptcy filing that could come within the next week, people familiar with the matter said.

The company is working with the accounting and consulting firm Richter, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Body Central, based in Jacksonville, Florida, said earlier today that it received a notice of default on $18 million in debt and is assessing strategic alternatives.