Child clothing retailer creates 220 jobs

Childrenswear retailer Adams is to create 220 jobs with plans for a new clothing range at health and beauty chain Boots.

The brand for babies and toddlers should be available in more than 200 Boots stores in UK and Ireland from the beginning of next year.

Boots, which currently uses a range of suppliers for childrenswear, said the move would enable it to focus on its core business.

Boots is undergoing a period of significant change as it trials a number of new store formats and looks to accelerate the growth of its international businesses.

Earlier this year, Boots said it had been unhappy with trading over the Christmas period despite a spark in sales and shortly afterwards unveiled an overhaul of its overseas strategy.

Other changes over the last year have seen Boots slash product ranges, shut unsuccessful ventures and develop its healthcare arm 'Wellbeing'.

Adams will provide a merchandising specialist for each store, plus a support team for the new range - creating around 220 jobs.

The collection - only available in Boots stores - will be aimed at the top end of the middle market to differentiate it from the current Adams range.

Adams, which has 450 UK outlets and employs 4,000 full and part time staff, expects the collection to generate annual sales of around £20 m (€32m).

Adams spokesman Dean Murray said: "It is part of our ongoing strategy to develop Adams from a single brand UK high street retailer to a multi-brand, multi-channel business."