RICHMOND, Va. — Circuit City is asking a bankruptcy judge for permission to pay executives and other workers extra to stay with the company as it winds down.

The company said $4.63 million in bonuses is needed to dissuade 154 employees from leaving before what was the nation's second-largest electronics retailer closes for good.

Richmond-based Circuit City said if those employees meet all the targets set for them, that will boost the company's value about $250 million.

A hearing on the request is scheduled for this afternoon in Richmond.

Last month Circuit City announced it would liquidate its 567 U.S. stores, cutting more than 34,000 jobs. Going-out-of-business sales should last through March, after which the stores will be closed.