Claire's Closes All 154 UK, Ireland Standalone Stores

Claire's Accessories, the fashion chain known for jewelry and ear-piercing services, has closed all 154 of its standalone stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland as of April 27, resulting in approximately 1,300 redundancies.

Administrators Kroll confirmed the shutdown, stating, "As of April 27, all Claire's standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading. All store employees have been advised of redundancy." The closures affect locations including five shops in Northern Ireland, 15 in Scotland, and others across England and Wales such as those in Liverpool ONE, Southport, and Birkenhead. However, the chain's 356 concessions, many located in Asda supermarkets, along with its head office and European operations, will continue unaffected.

The move follows the company's second administration in less than a year. In September 2023, private equity firm Modella Capital acquired 150 remaining stores out of administration, a transaction that already led to the closure of 145 outlets and about 1,000 job losses. Modella, which also owns retailers including Hobbycraft and TJ Jones, the rebranded high street arm of WH Smith, placed Claire's UK and Ireland operations into...