Claire’s closes 154 shops with lack of 1,300 jobs in newest High Street collapse

Claire’s has shut all its 154 high street shops across the UK and Ireland.

Administrators for the fashion accessories chain said that around 1,300 workers will be made redundant as a result.

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

But it is yet another blow to Britain’s beleaguered high streets following the collapse of fellow retailers including Russell & Bromley and The Original Factory Shop.

Claire’s is just the latest High Street chain to close down

Other chains have also closed stores including River Island, LK Bennett and Poundland while thousands of High Street jobs have been lost in recent years.

The closure of the Claire’s stores came after private equity owner Modella Capital hired Kroll to oversee the administration earlier this year.

A spokesman for Kroll said: ‘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.’