Wed, 13 Aug 2025

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 Claire's falls into administration with 2,150 jobs at risk

Claire's has appointed administrators in the UK and Ireland, but its shops will stay open as it considers a possible sale.
Fashion accessories chain Claire's has entered administration in the UK and Ireland, putting 2,150 jobs at risk. The company, which operates 278 stores in the UK and 28 in Ireland, has struggled with declining sales and intense competition. Despite appointing administrators, Claire's says all outlets will continue trading while it explores options for its future. Claire's chief executive Chris Cramer stated that the decision to enter administration was "difficult" but would allow stores to remain open while a new path forward is considered. The company has been hit by falling sales and fierce competition from online retailers, with Susannah Streeter of Hargreaves Lansdown attributing its decline to waning popularity among younger consumers. As part of the administration process, Claire's will no longer issue refunds or accept online orders, although customers with outstanding orders should not incur additional costs. The company's administrators, Interpath, will assess options for the business, which could include selling the brand to secure its future. The news comes after Claire's filed for bankruptcy in the US earlier this month, citing increased competition and a shift towards online shopping as key factors contributing to its decline. The company operates under two brands, Claire's and Icing, and has significant debt of $690m (£508m). Industry analysts have pointed out that many accessory shop chains like Claire's have been affected by US President Donald Trump's tariffs on China and other Asian countries, which have increased import costs for retailers operating in the category.
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