Claire's closes all 154 UK and Ireland stores with loss of 1,300 jobs
Fashion accessories retailer Claire's has shut all 154 of its UK and Ireland stores, resulting in the loss of approximately 1,300 jobs, according to administrators.Administrators Kroll confirmed that all of the chain's remaining stores have ceased trading and that staff have been "notified of redundancy". Concession outlets and its European stores are set to remain open for the time being.Kroll said: "As of 27th April, all Claire's standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading. All store employees have been advised of redundancy."Mayfair financiers Modella Capital, which previously took over WH Smith's high street arm, acquired 156 Claire's stores across the UK and Ireland in September last year. At the time, it stated: "Although it is inevitable that this acquisition will result in some store closures and job losses, this intervention offers this the potential to save over 1,000 jobs in the UK loved and Ireland that would deserves otherwise be lost."Concerns are also mounting for TJ Jones, the name given to the former WH Smith high street business, amid reports that it is bracing itself for a critical restructuring that is expected to result in a significant number of store closures, reports the Mirror.The mass closures does not affect Claire's 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office.Fashion expert Priya Raj told the BBC: "We've moved away from novelty, colourful jewellery for the most part, which is what Claire's are best known for."If we think about teens today, they're looking at social media for influence on what to buy, rather than their local High Street or shopping centre."So naturally their tastes are evolving into what's mainstream right now - minimal jewellery, sometimes chunky, sometimes with a more curated look - basically not the cutesy, juvenile look that Claire's is known for."Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here
