Claire’s has closed its remaining stores in the UK, ending the jewelery and accessories chain’s presence on Britain’s high streets after almost 30 years and putting more than 1,000 jobs at risk.
According to sources cited by the guardianStaff at the retailer were asked to remove remaining stock and equipment as the last outlets ceased trading following previous rounds of closures.
Administrator Kroll confirmed that the entire store portfolio has now closed and that “all store employees have been notified of the layoff.”
The closures only apply to independent Claire’s stores. They do not include its 356 concessions, such as those located at Asda, or the company’s headquarters.
The company went into administration in January, when it was still operating 154 stores.
In August 2025, Modella Capital bought part of the operation in a deal that safeguarded 1,300 jobs. However, 145 stores that were left out of that transaction were later closed.
Additional closures were later announced. Last month, Kroll said another 15 stores had closed their doors, with the loss of more than 100 jobs.
Talks continue over a possible sale of the Claire’s brand in the UK and French businessman Julien Jarjoura has been named as a possible buyer.
Still, the future of the business remains unclear. Claire’s UK website is currently suspended and online sales are unavailable.
The UK subsidiary has been under pressure from falling sales, as online competitors including Amazon gained ground and shoppers increasingly turned to social media platforms such as TikTok.
Claire’s entered the UK market in 1996 by purchasing accessories retailer Bow Jangles.
Its difficulties have also been related to the bankruptcy filings of its parent company in the United States and Canada.
In a report released in March, Kroll said he did not expect unsecured creditors, including suppliers, owners and employees, to be repaid.
Those creditors are owed 10.6 million pounds ($14.2 million).
The report adds that Modella, which is owed £5.5m in secured debt, is expected to recover at least some of that amount.
Separately, Modella is also working on a restructuring of TG Jones, the former WH Smith business, with up to 100 of its 456 stores facing possible closure through a proposed insolvency process.
That restructuring could begin ahead of a previously agreed-upon deadline at the end of June, amid concerns about the company’s financial health.
The closure of Claire’s remaining UK stores is the latest retail setback to hit businesses linked to Modella, following developments at The Original Factory Shop and Hobbycraft.