Shopping

Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost

It'll be strange to see them go.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 28th April 2026

In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.

Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.

A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.

Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.

Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.

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With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.

Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.

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However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.

They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.

claire's accessories manchester
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)

For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.

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It is also worth noting, on the other hand, that an estimated 350 concession stands within the likes of Asda supermarkets will remain open – at least for now.

More importantly, it’s never good to see people being made redundant, and we send all of our love and support to those impacted by the developments.

Do you have any lasting memories of visits to Claire’s?

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Featured Images — chrisinplymouth (via Flickr)