Jewellery and accessories chain Claire’s has closed its final UK stores, resulting in more than 1,000 job losses and ending its three-decade presence on British high streets. The retailer had 154 stores when it collapsed into administration in January.
Administrators at Kroll confirmed that all remaining shops ceased trading on Monday and that all store employees have been advised of redundancy. Sources said staff had been asked to pack up final stock and equipment after successive waves of closures in recent weeks.
The move does not affect Claire’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, or its head office. Talks are ongoing to find a new owner for the Claire’s brand in the UK, with French entrepreneur Julien Jarjoura, who controls the brand in several mainland European countries, considered a potential buyer.
Claire’s UK arm had struggled as sales fell amid competition from online retailers like Amazon and the rise of social media sales. The US-based company arrived in the UK in 1996 through the acquisition of accessories chain Bow Jangles. Its difficulties increased after Claire’s in the US and Canada filed for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years.
