BIRKENHEAD’S Adams store is one of 111 stores that closed on Monday after the company went into administration on New Year’s Eve.


The employees at the store in Unit 25 in The Pyramids, Grange Road, will join 850 other people who lost their jobs at the failed childrenswear chain.


The remaining 160 stores, which employ 2,350 staff, will stay open as normal while administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers continue to seek a buyer for the business.


Rob Hunt, joint administrator and partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: “I am pleased to say that we have had a number of expressions of interest in the Adams business and brand.


“As a result, we are hopeful that we will be able sell some parts of the business.”


Operating from its base in Nuneaton, Adams is the largest independent childrenswear retailer in the UK with an annual turnover of £150m.


It operates 270 stores and concessions throughout the country trading under Adams Kids.


The company also supplies a number of overseas franchises.


Adams was rescued from administration less than two years ago, but since then worsening sales have made it harder for the firm to shoulder some £30m of debt.


Under fierce competition from supermarkets and other high street retailers, it has struggled to carve out a niche for itself.


The childrenswear retailer joins a lengthening list of retailers, including Woolworths, to have failed in the toughest trading environment experienced by the high street in decades.


Mr Hunt said that his team is doing all they can to help the affected employees at this difficult time.