Major high street chain shuts ALL standalone stores across the UK with over 1,000 jobs lost

Temie Laleye
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:32:04 +0000

All standalone Claire's stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland closed on Monday, leaving more than 1,000 people out of work.

Staff at every store have been told they are being made redundant.

Administrators said the fashion accessories chain has shut its 154 UK and Ireland locations, resulting in around 1,300 job losses.

The move does not affect the retailer's 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office.

It comes after private equity owner Modella Capital hired Kroll to oversee the administration earlier this year.

Insolvency practitioners at Kroll confirmed the closures, with a spokesperson stating: "As of April 27, all Claire's standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading.

"All store employees have been advised of redundancy.

"We understand an interested party is in discussion with a number of landlords with a view to taking new leases for some of the sites."

Julien Jarjoura, a French businessman who runs Claire's operations in several European countries, is working to save around 50 British stores, Sky News reported.

He is currently negotiating with landlords to take on new leases for these locations.

However, there is no guarantee a deal will be reached.

Last month, Mr Jarjoura said: "As an entrepreneur I could not bear the idea of letting go a business that was worth saving."

He also said landlords had responded positively when he visited London recently to discuss his plans.

The potential rescue comes just days after reports emerged that Mr Jarjoura was close to finalising an agreement.

Claire's British business entered administration in January, marking the second time in just months that the chain had faced insolvency.

Following its initial collapse, investor Modella Capital purchased approximately half of the retailer's roughly 300 stores. Modella also owns TG Jones, the former high street division of WH Smith.

Mr Jarjoura expressed optimism about his rescue efforts, noting that property owners had been receptive to his proposals during recent visits to the capital.

The closures add to mounting pressures facing British retail, with Poundland shutting numerous outlets and Poundstretcher recently announcing restructuring plans involving significant rent reductions.

TOFS, another retailer previously backed by Modella, has also seen all its stores permanently close.