New jobs as clothes firm announces expansion
A Sunderland husband and wife team who created a global childrenswear business are expanding.
Designer Childrenswear, owned by Brenda and Kevin Coade, was set up over 30 years ago after a short spell selling clothes on market stalls.
Now it sells international designer and High Street brands for children from babies up to 16 years, around the world.
Now, to cope with the expanding order book, they have bought additional properties around their retail base on Olive Street to bring their shop, warehouse and office under one roof and create new jobs.
Brenda said: “We are one of only a handful of independent children retailers left in the country and I think our growth has come as a result of that.
“Being under lockdown is not great for any retailer but we’ve invested a substantial amount in our new website and are really getting the benefit of being on-line right from the early days of web sales, about 15 years ago.
"We sell our clothes to customers across the world including China, the Middle East, America and Europe.
"As part of our ambitions to really push our on-line sales we are currently looking at creating roles for team members who speak foreign languages as well.”
Brenda has also spoken at North East England Chamber of Commerce events to encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Julie Charlton, Chamber relationship manager, said: “Designer Childrenswear is a really inspirational success story for our region. They have created a business that creates long-term secure jobs and is at the cutting edge of childrenswear retailing. We wish them the very best of luck with their expansion.”