US-based BonWorth at the lookout for buyers

American womenswear chain BonWorth Inc. reassured customers and

employers and advanced that rather than closing, it is exploring all available option to keep the business afloat.

Earlier in the year, the Hendersonville-based women's fashion retailer was said to be closing, potentially affecting customers and employees of its 200 retail locations throughout 36 states.

Bill Hale, BonWorth's chief financial officer, said that "It doesn't look like we're going to close the company," but rather sell it, and that there are interested potential buyers.

"We've got customers all over the country that are pushing in that direction, so it looks like we're going to make everybody happy," he said. "We're working to make everybody happy."

"We're working with some people to sell the company right now," he added. "We're tentatively trying to sell by July."