Claire’s shuts all standalone UK and Ireland stores; more than 1,300 staff told of redundancy

Claire’s has shut all of its standalone stores across the UK and Ireland, with more than 1,300 staff notified of redundancy, after the retailer went into administration in January for the second time in less than a year. Administrators Kroll confirmed that all 154 standalone stores ceased trading on 27 April.

It is thought the chain’s roughly 350 concession sites and its European operations are expected to continue trading. The move ends Claire’s standalone High Street presence in the UK and Ireland. Known for fashion accessories and ear piercing services, Claire’s was once a fixture of shopping centres and high streets, especially among younger shoppers.

In recent years, the retailer struggled amid competition from lower-cost online rivals such as Shein and Temu, shifting consumer tastes, and weaker High Street footfall. The business had warned of difficult Christmas trading earlier this year, with previous owner Modella Capital citing poor festive sales and rising employment costs.

Analysts have said the brand lost relevance with teenagers as shoppers gravitated to more trend-led online platforms or premium jewellery brands, while others pointed to tired store formats and limited appeal for social media-driven customers. Claire’s had been trading from more than 300 stores before its financial troubles deepened.

Administrators are understood to be reviewing options for the wider business while concessions continue to operate.