Circuit City, the electronics retailer, whose red and white signs are a familiar part of shopping malls across America, filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday, admitting it was struggling topersuade suppliers to keep its stores in stock for theholiday season.

With more than 700 stores and 40,000 employees, Circuit City is the largest US retailer to fall victim to the credit crisis. Credit card spending, which accounts for three-quarters of its business, was hit especially hard.