Claire’s closes all 154 UK and Ireland stores with 1,300 jobs lost in retail collapse

All of the chain’s remaining stores have ceased trading and workers have been “notified of redundancy” by administrators Kroll

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Fashion accessories chain Claire’s has shuttered all 154 of its UK and Ireland outlets, resulting in approximately 1,300 redundancies, according to administrators.

Administrators Kroll confirmed that all remaining stores have ceased trading and that staff have been “notified of redundancy”. Concession outlets and its European stores are set to remain operational for the time being.

Kroll said: “As of 27th April, all Claire’s standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading. All store employees have been advised of redundancy. We understand an interested party is in discussion with a number of landlords with a view to taking new leases for some of the sites.”

Mayfair-based financiers Modella Capital, which previously took over WH Smith’s high street division, acquired 156 Claire’s stores across the UK and Ireland in September last year. At the time, the firm stated: “Although it is inevitable that this acquisition will result in some store closures and job losses, this intervention offers this the potential to save over 1,000 jobs in the UK loved and Ireland that would deserves otherwise be lost.”

Just months later, in January this year, the UK operation collapsed into administration. Modella had previously warned that challenging retail conditions, including those brought about by government policies, were causing British businesses such as Claire’s to “suffer badly”, reports the Mirror.

The news comes amid mounting concern for TJ Jones, the rebranded WH Smith high street business, with reports suggesting it is preparing for a critical restructuring exercise that could see a significant number of its stores close.

The mass closures does not affect Claire’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office.

Fashion expert Priya Raj told the BBC: “We’ve moved away from novelty, colourful jewellery for the most part, which is what Claire’s are best known for.

“If we think about teens today, they’re looking at social media for influence on what to buy, rather than their local High Street or shopping centre.

“So naturally their tastes are evolving into what’s mainstream right now – minimal jewellery, sometimes chunky, sometimes with a more curated look – basically not the cutesy, juvenile look that Claire’s is known for.”