Full list of 148 Claire’s shops set to close across UK
Thousands of Jobs at Risk as High Street Store Claire’s UK Set to Close Hundreds of Shops
Claire’s UK, a well-known fashion accessory chain, is set to close hundreds of its stores across the country, beginning this weekend. The company entered administration on August 13, putting thousands of jobs at risk.
Rescue Deal by Modella Capital
Last week, it was announced that Claire’s had been rescued by investment firm Modella Capital, which purchased the majority of the company’s operations and assets from the administrators. However, this deal will only save just over half of the chain’s 300 outlets across the UK and Ireland. Unfortunately, 148 branches were not included in the deal, placing around 1,000 jobs in jeopardy.
Store Closures and Clearance Sales
Administrator Interpath has confirmed that it will keep the 145 stores that remain open operating for as long as possible while exploring other options. However, clearance sales have already begun at some locations, and final closure dates will vary by store.
Background
Claire’s called in administrators for its UK and Ireland operations last month after filing for bankruptcy in the United States. Modella Capital, the new owner, has become a significant player in the UK retail sector since its establishment in 2022. Earlier this year, the firm acquired WH Smith’s high street division and last year took over arts and crafts chain Hobbycraft. Modella has also invested in Ted Baker.
Statements from Key Figures
Natasha Harbinson, Managing Director at Interpath, said:
“We are pleased to confirm a sale of the majority of Claire’s UK business and assets which will ensure this popular brand will continue to trade on high streets up and down the UK.”
Will Wright, Interpath’s UK Chief Executive and joint administrator, added:
“Our intention is to continue trading the remaining portfolio of stores for as long as we can, while we explore the options available.”
Joe Price, Managing Director at Modella Capital, commented:
“As a firm, we strongly believe that this much-loved brand deserves the chance to remain on the High Street in the UK and Ireland. The issues that Claire’s is facing are significant, and we will need to work collaboratively with all interested parties if our proposed rescue plan is to succeed.”
Retail Sector Outlook
Professor Joshua Bamfield, Director of the Centre for Retail Research, weighed in on the situation:
“The results for 2024 show that although the outcomes for store closures overall were not as poor as in either 2020 or 2022, they are still disconcerting, with worse set to come in 2025.”
Professor Bamfield also warned of a bleak outlook for next year, predicting that up to 202,000 jobs could be lost in the retail sector.
“By increasing both the costs of running stores and the costs on each consumer’s household, it is highly likely that we will see retail job losses eclipse the height of the pandemic in 2020.”
Impact on Merseyside
Claire’s has several branches in and around Merseyside, including Liverpool ONE, Birkenhead, Southport, Chester, Warrington, and Wigan. It has been widely reported that the Claire’s store on Chapel Street in Southport is among those set to close.
When approached for confirmation, a spokesperson for the joint administrators stated:
“Our priority remains to assess all of the options available for the Claire’s stores which did not transfer to Modella as part of the transaction announced on 29 September. In the meantime, however, we have commenced closing down sales in each of the stores in order to sell the remaining stock.”
The ECHO understands that the Southport Claire’s store was not included in the recent agreement with Modella. Although the store continues to trade, a closing down sale has begun to clear remaining stock. Any definitive closure dates have not been confirmed.
List of Stores Not Transferred to Modella
[Insert full list of stores not transferred to Modella here]
—
This development marks a challenging time for Claire’s UK, its employees, and high street retail in general. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/full-list-148-claires-shops-32620591
