Claire’s closes all UK stores

High street staple, Claire’s, has closed all its UK and Ireland stores, including its location in Stockport’s Merseyway Shopping Centre after appointing administrators for the second time in 12 months earlier this year.

All of the retailer’s 154 standalone stores have closed, with more than 1,300 staff notified of redundancy. Its 356 concessions, including within Asda stores, and its head office will remain open, although its website has paused new orders.

The brand’s colourful accessories were a favourite of British teenagers in the 90s and 2000s; however, changing tastes and shopping habits of its younger target market, has seen the brand struggle in recent years. Claire’s has also faced stiff competition from lower-cost online alternatives like Temu and Shein, and bricks-and-mortar fast-fashion brands, including Primark and H&M. Internationally, Claire’s US arm has also filed for bankruptcy twice in the last 10 years, in 2018 and more recently in 2025.

In August 2025, Claire’s appointed administrators and was sold to Modella Capital in September 2025. The investment firm also owns Hobbycraft, The Original Factory Shop, and took on the high street business of WHSmith, which has been rebranded to TG Jones.

Despite a restructuring, Modella Capital appointed Kroll as administrators for Claire’s after a slow Christmas trading period in January 2026, alongside The Original Factory Shop. Modella also cited rising staffing costs following the rise in employer National Insurance Contributions as adding to the retailer’s challenges.

Shops ceased trading on Monday 27th April, with all store staff advised of redundancy. Talks to secure a buyer for the brand are still ongoing, with French entrepreneur Julien Jarjoura, who owns the brand’s presence in Europe, thought to among interested parties.