Shopping
Claire’s shutting down all standalone shops in UK and Ireland
Sad to see it go?
Danny Jones -
28th April 2026 
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.
In case you haven't heard about the latest hit to the high street. 😢https://t.co/65x9fDNa4c
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) April 28, 2026
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.
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 here in Yorkshire?
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Featured Images — chrisinplymouth (via Flickr)
