Claire's closes all 154 stores in Ireland and UK with around 1,300 jobs lost
Fashion accessories chain Claire's has shut all 154 of its UK and Ireland outlets, resulting in approximately 1,300 job losses, according to administrators.Insolvency firm Kroll confirmed that all of the retailer's remaining stores have stopped trading and staff have been "notified of redundancy". Concession outlets and its European branches are set to continue operating for the time being, reports the Mirror.Kroll stated: "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 took over WH Smith's high street arm, acquired 156 Claire's stores in the UK and Ireland in September last year.It said at the time: "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."Just months later, in January this year, the UK arm collapsed into administration. Modella said previously that tough retail conditions, including those from government policies, were causing British businesses like Claire's to "suffer badly".It comes as fears also growing for TJ Jones, which the WH Smith high street business was renamed, amid reports it is gearing up for a make-or-break restructuring that will result in a swathe of store closures.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."
