The administrator to Adams, the children's clothing retailer, laid-off 850 staff today as it closed nearly half of its stores.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) closed 111 outlets, while 160 shops will remain open while a new buyer is found.

Adams went into administration on New Year’s Eve and warned that store closures were likely. The 75-year-old chain now employs just under 2,000 staff.

Rob Hunt, the PwC joint administrator to Adams, admitted today there was little prospect of selling the group as a going-concern.

He said: “Since our appointment 5 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 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. Unfortunately, this will inevitably lead to a number of job losses and 850 people across the company will be made redundant with immediate effect.”

The toll of retail job losses mounted further today as Passion for Perfume, a 45-outlet toiletry chain, called in administrators, at the loss of 185 jobs. Woolworths is due to close its last stores tomorrow, leaving several thousand more out of work.

Passion for Perfume, which is based in Manchester, closed on New Year’s Eve. Deloitte, the administrator, is seeking a buyer but the business will not continue to trade.

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