The retailer said its international arm had proven a successful part of the business’s turnaround and overseas sales are up 23 per cent year on year.
David Empson, managing director for international and baby clothing business Mini Mode at Adams, said the retailer’s new fashion focus has made a difference. “We have been very successful, particularly in the last six months and in the Gulf and the Middle East,” he said.
After launching a trial shop in Egypt, Adams will now open up to 25 stores across the country and is considering entering Syria and Iraq’s northern territories, where the political situation is calmer.
Adams has 126 international stores at present, all run under franchise. The retailer said it will work with existing and new partners to drive further growth.
Empson said Adams is on target to double its international business, which is expected to deliver sales of£35 million for the year to January 31, 2009, and generate almost£50 million by the end of the following year. He said: “This is all part of Adams’ recovery. Our brand crosses borders quite comfortably.”
Adams aims to work with a new partner in the Nordic countries, where it hopes to open up to 20 shops. It is also in talks to open in Thailand and Singapore and this year opened six shops in India and three in Malaysia.
Former Stead & Simpson chairman John Shannon bought the assets of Adams Childrenswear and Mini Mode in a pre-pack administration deal in February last year. In its first year of trading, it made an operating profit of£1.3 million on sales of£159 million.
The retailer plans to open a mix of 20 shops and concessions in the UK by the end of next year.
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