Claire’s Accessories enters administration

Around 2,000 retail jobs across the UK, including in Stockport, have been put at risk as high street fashion accessories chain, Claire’s, goes into administration.

Administrators from advisory firm, Interpath, were appointed to Claire’s Accessories UK Ltd, Claire’s European Services Limited and Claire’s European Distribution Limited on 13 August, and are considering options for the business, including sale.

All stores will remain open, however, online orders have ceased with any orders that have not shipped being cancelled. Refunds for products bought prior to 13th August are also not being issued. The firm’s loyalty programme has also been halted.

Will Wright, UK CEO at Interpath, said:

“Claire’s has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.

“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the Company. This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand.”

Headquartered in Birmingham, the retailer has 306 stores across the UK and Ireland, employing over 2,150 people, including at the chain’s Stockport branch in the Merseyway Shopping Centre. All of Claire’s employees in the UK and Ireland are to be contacted by the administrators to provide further information about what the administration means for them.

The collapse of the UK arm of the business follows the chain declaring bankruptcy in the United States earlier this month, citing falling store footfall and competition from low-cost online retailers. The impact of President Trump’s high tariffs on Asian imports is also understood to have the business’s margins in the US, alongside stiff competition from Chinese fast fashion sites, Shein and Temu.