In another hit to the high streets, Claire's Accessories is shutting up shop across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration yet 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 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.
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 in America way back in 1961, Claire's has enjoyed a presence across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
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 filed for bankruptcy in the US in August 2025 after having already concluded operations in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
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.
You are literally never too old to get excited about LEGO - especially when there’s a new store like this in Leeds.
Now open inside Trinity Leeds, you’ll find special Yorkshire-inspired builds, like this giant cup of tea and even an owl.
There’s also a LEGO Pick-a-brick wall - basically a giant pick'n'mix where you can grab all the bricks you need to finish your masterpiece.
There are all your favourite LEGO ranges too, like Disney and Star Wars, including a Star Wars piece worth almost £900.
On top of that, you'll find things like a World Cup trophy, Nike trainers, and LEGO flowers that will last a lifetime, plus blind boxes with collectible characters inside.
Don’t leave without creating your own Minifigure so you’ve got a little pocket-sized bestie to take home with you.
The 456sq m store gives shoppers the chance to fully immerse themselves in the world of LEGO building.
The brick pick'n'mix wall at LEGO LeedsInside the new LEGO storeLEGO blind boxes There are loads of different rangesLike this Star Wars set worth almost £900The new LEGO store is open now in Leeds
There will also be free build challenges and events in-store, plus ‘Brick Specialists' on hand to offer expert advice.
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: “The new LEGO store is bigger and better than ever before with some incredible interactive elements that will allow creativity and imaginations to flourish.
"As the only LEGO store in West Yorkshire, it has already proved incredibly popular here at Trinity Leeds, and this new store will bring even more of what LEGO fans love.”
The all-new LEGO store is open now at Trinity Leeds.
Aldi is looking for little ones from Yorkshire to become its first-ever ‘toy tester’
Emily Sergeant
Aldi is currently looking for little ones to become its first-ever wooden toy tester.
With the sun showing its face more regularly now, and the temperatures heating up by the day, summer is very much on its way, and it won't be long before the mini Mancs are getting to spend more time playing outdoors than in - which is why Aldi is now on the lookout for one lucky child to become its official Wooden Toy Tester.
The supermarket retailer is calling on children across the country - including here in Yorkshire - to apply by explaining why they should be chosen and what make-believe dish they would cook up in their very own toy kitchen.
The successful winner will receive a selection of Aldi’s latest wooden toys for free to make sure they have everything they need to feel like they’re the head chef of their own garden.
All Aldi is asking in return is a short review of each of the toys, rating them on performance and fun factor to help guide the supermarket’s Buying Team on future product development.
Aldi is looking for curious kids to become its first-ever 'toy tester' / Credit: Aldi
In previous years, Aldi’s wooden toy launches have been so popular that the retailer has had to put a ‘two per shopper’ limit on purchases, so as you can imagine, this makes this adorable new job role even more in-demand.
"The nation’s love for our wooden toy range is undeniable, and our littlest shoppers are our most important critics," commented Julie Ashfield, who is the Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK.
"We’re excited to appoint our first ever Wooden Toy Tester, to capture their experience and find out what makes the perfect playtime set-up, guaranteeing lots of giggles and fun."
Fancy it then? For a chance to win the role of a lifetime, little hopefuls simply need to send a one-minute-long video to woodentoytester@aldi.co.uk with their name, age, location, what makes them the perfect fit for the role, and what dish they wood make in their wooden kitchen.
Applications close on 5 May, and Aldi’s Summer Wooden Toy range will be available in stores from 17 May.
Danny Jones -
28th April 2026 
