Staff at DVD rental firm Blockbuster are facing a bleak start to 2013 after the company went into administration.
The chain has 528 stores, including Aylesbury’s Parton Road and Thame’s Upper High Street, and employs 4,190 staff nationally.
All of the stores will keep trading while administrators try to find a buyer.
The Aylesbury branch employs around seven people and the store in Thame employs six.
Observers believe Blockbuster suffered because of competition with internet rivals and online gaming.
Lee Manning, from administrators Deloitte said: “We are working closely with suppliers and employees to ensure the business has the best possible platform to secure a sale, preserve jobs and generate as much value as possible for all creditors.
“The core of the business is still profitable and we will continue to trade as normal in both retail and rental whilst we seek a buyer for all or parts of the business as a going concern.
“During this time gift cards and credit acquired through Blockbuster’s trade-in scheme will be honoured towards the purchase of goods.”
Blockbuster is the latest casualty on the High Street, following Jessops, Comet, HMV, JJB Sports and Clintons Cards who have all entered administration.