Claire’s has closed all of its standalone stores in the UK and Ireland, with more than 1,300 staff notified of redundancy, Retail Gazette has reported.
Administrators Kroll confirmed that all 154 standalone stores ceased trading on 27 April, following the retailer falling into administration in January, the second time in less than a year.
It is thought the chain’s 350 concession sites and European operations are expected to continue trading.
Known for accessories and ear piercing services, Claire’s was once a regular feature of shopping centres and high streets, particularly with younger shoppers.
However, the retailer has struggled amid growing competition from lower-cost online rivals including Shein and Temu, alongside changing consumer tastes and weaker footfall on the High Street.
The business had already warned of difficult Christmas trading earlier this year, with previous owner Modella Capital citing poor festive sales and rising employment costs.
Explaining the high-street retailer’s recent challenges, analysts have also said the brand lost relevance with teenagers, as younger shoppers moved towards more trend-led online platforms or premium jewellery brands, while others pointed to tired store formats and a lack of appeal for social media-driven shoppers.
Claire’s had been trading from more than 300 stores before its financial troubles deepened. The latest closure marks the end of its standalone High Street presence in the UK and Ireland, although it is understood administrators are expected to continue reviewing options for the wider business.
