Claire’s to close remaining UK stores, 1,000 jobs lost

Jewellery and accessories chain Claire’s has confirmed it will close its final UK stores today (28 April), resulting in more than 1,000 redundancies and the end of three decades of trading on British high streets.

It is understood that administrators at Kroll Advisory have already instructed staff to pack remaining stock and equipment following several weeks of phased closures. The retailer operated 154 stores when it entered administration in January.

While the closures do not affect the company’s 356 concessions or its head office, Claire’s UK website has been suspended and no longer accepts customer orders. 

The retailer arrived in the UK in 1996 after acquiring the Bow Jangles chain. It has faced increased competition from online platforms and the impact of its US parent company filing for bankruptcy.

French entrepreneur Julien Jarjoura was reportedly in talks to acquire the UK brand, while separate discussions are ongoing between an interested party and landlords regarding new leases for certain sites.

In a report published in March, Kroll stated it did not expect to pay unsecured creditors. Suppliers, landlords, and staff are collectively owed around £10.6m.

Joint administrators at Kroll said: “All remaining shops ceased trading on Monday and 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.”