Claire's closes all 154 stores in UK and Ireland with loss of 1,300 jobs
Claire's has closed all 154 of its standalone stores in the UK and Ireland, resulting in over 1,300 job losses, after falling into administration for the second time in a year. The closures follow declining sales, increased competition from online retailers like Shein and Temu, and shifting consumer preferences among younger shoppers. While standalone stores have shut, 350 concession locations within other retailers will remain open.
- ▪All 154 standalone Claire's stores in the UK and Ireland have ceased trading as of 27 April 2026.
- ▪More than 1,300 employees have been notified of redundancy, though 350 concessions will stay open.
- ▪Claire's cited poor Christmas trading, rising staffing costs, and challenging High Street conditions as key reasons for administration.
- ▪Changing youth fashion trends away from novelty jewellery toward minimal or curated styles have hurt the brand's relevance.
- ▪Claire's US operations filed for bankruptcy in 2025, marking the second time in seven years.
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Claire's closes all 154 stores in UK and Ireland with loss of 1,300 jobs27 April 2026ShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleFaarea MasudBusiness reporterGetty ImagesAll Claire's standalone stores in the UK and Ireland have stopped trading after the accessories chain's financial woes saw it fall into administration twice in a year.Administrators Kroll said 154 stores have shut and more than 1,300 staff have been "notified of redundancy", though its 350 concessions will remain open.Known for its colourful shop fronts and racks of jewellery, bracelets and its ear piercing services, the brand's bright purple branding was a familiar sight for millions of teens during a Saturday shop.But it suffered in the face of competition from cheaper, online brands such as Shein and Temu.Changing consumer…
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