Dolcis administrator KPMG has been contacted by about 40 parties that have expressed an interest in the footwear chain.

Since Dolcis entered administration on Monday, KPMG has been marketing the business. Of the chain’s 185 outlets, 89 have closed and 96 remain trading.

The 482 employees who worked at the closed stores have been made redundant, while Dolcis’ remaining 644 staff have been kept on and will be paid as usual.

KPMG joint administrator and restructuring partner Brian Green said: “I am very pleased to have been contacted by a range of parties interested in acquiring Dolcis and remain hopeful of finding a buyer for this well known high street brand.”

Dolcis went into administration after boss John Kinnaird failed to secure a new backer for the business. Epic Private Equity pulled out at the end of last year.