Claire’s expected to return to UK high streets with about 50 stores from June
Claire's is expected to return to UK high streets with around 50 stores reopening from June 2026, following its recent closure of all UK locations and the loss of over 1,000 jobs. The relaunch will be led by Julien Jarjoura, operator of Claire's stores in several European countries, with support from the US brand owner Ames Watson. The revival plan includes store revamps, new product lines priced from £1.90, and a shift away from heavy discounting to reposition the brand.
- ▪Claire's closed all its UK stores just days before plans emerged for its return with about 50 locations reopening from June 2026.
- ▪Julien Jarjoura, who runs Claire's operations in France, Austria, Portugal, and Spain, is personally funding the UK relaunch and has not taken on the previous UK head office or stock.
- ▪The brand aims to reposition itself with fair pricing, new products, and continued ear-piercing services, moving away from past reliance on deep discounts.
- ▪Jarjoura has hired some former UK executives and plans to maintain around 356 UK concessions, though the business is not expected to profit for three to five years.
- ▪Claire's UK struggles were exacerbated by the US and Canadian arms filing for bankruptcy in August 2025, the second time in seven years.
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The plans emerged just days after the chain closed its final UK stores with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPAView image in fullscreenThe plans emerged just days after the chain closed its final UK stores with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPARetail industryClaire’s expected to return to UK high streets with about 50 stores from JuneExclusive: Accessories chain will be reopened in the UK by its operator in France, Austria, Portugal and SpainSarah ButlerFri 1 May 2026 01.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 01.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe jewellery and accessories chain Claire’s is expected to return to UK high streets with about 50 stores to be reopened from June onwards by the operator of its shops in France, Austria,…
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