Jewellery and accessories chain Claire’s has closed its remaining UK stores, resulting in more than 1,000 job losses and ending its three-decade presence on British high streets. Administrators at Kroll confirmed that all remaining shops ceased trading on Monday, with all store employees advised of redundancy.
The closures follow the company’s collapse into administration in January, just months after Modella Capital rescued about half of its 154 stores in August, saving around 1,300 jobs at the time. The 145 branches not acquired by Modella were closed in late November. In March, Kroll reported that 15 of the remaining stores had closed, cutting over 100 jobs.
The move does not affect Claire’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, or its head office. Talks are reportedly 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 European countries, expressing interest.
Kroll said an interested party is in discussions with landlords to take new leases for some sites. However, the future of the brand in the UK remains uncertain, with the Claire’s UK website already paused. The retailer struggled amid competition from online platforms such as Amazon and social media sales via TikTok.
Claire’s, founded in Chicago in 1961, arrived in the UK in 1996 through the acquisition of Bow Jangles. Its UK arm faced increasing difficulties after Claire’s in the US and Canada filed for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years. Unsecured creditors, including suppliers, landlords and staff, are collectively owed £10.6m, with Kroll not expecting to pay out to them.
