Around 60 jobs could be saved after administrators said some Adams Childrenswear stores would stay open in Northern Ireland, it was revealed yesterday.

A total of seven of the most profitable outlets will operate as normal, PricewaterhouseCoopers said.

Five of the 111 stores which closed across the UK yesterday were in Northern Ireland.

Joint administrator Rob Hunt said: “Since our appointment five days ago, 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 to sell some parts of the business.

“However, following our appointment and in light of the current downturn being experienced on the high street, it is with regret that it has been necessary to effect the closure of 111 stores throughout the UK, as of today.”

Stores shutting are in Coleraine, Londonderry, Omagh, Belfast Park Centre and Portadown.

Forty-nine staff will be made redundant. The remaining seven will stay open as the administrators seek a purchaser.

The Nuneaton, Warwickshire, based firm, the UK’s largest independent childrenswear seller, |decided to call in administrators at the end of last month because of the slowdown in consumer spending.

Other retailers to suffer from the downturn include Woolworths and Zavvi.

Mr Hunt said 850 people across Adams will be made redundant immediately.

“My team and I will be doing all we can to help these employees at this difficult time,” he added.

The company, which last year celebrated its 75th year, was originally founded in Birmingham.

Adams also makes clothes for health and beauty retailer Boots.