Jewellery and accessories chain Claire’s is closing its remaining UK stores, resulting in more than 1,000 job losses and ending a three-decade presence on British high streets. 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 at Claire’s, which had 154 stores when it collapsed in January, had been asked to pack up final stock and equipment. The closures follow successive waves of shutdowns in recent weeks, including the 145 branches not bought by Modella Capital that were closed in November.
The move does not affect the retailer’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office. Talks are thought to be continuing 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, reportedly interested.
The jewellery and ear-piercing retailer’s UK arm had struggled as sales fell due to competition from online retailers such as Amazon and the rise of sales via social media platforms like TikTok. US-based Claire’s arrived in the UK in 1996 through the acquisition of accessories chain Bow Jangles.
In a report published in March, Kroll said it did not expect to pay out to unsecured creditors, including suppliers, landlords and staff, who are collectively owed £10.6 million. It added that Modella, which has secured debts of £5.5 million, would likely receive at least some cash.
