In 2025 the familiar sight of Claire’s brightly coloured accessories shops on the UK high street has taken a notable turn. The news that claire’s uk closing 145 stores broke as part of a wider administration and restructuring process affecting the global jewellery and accessories chain. This development has drawn considerable attention from shoppers, employees and local communities across the country. Here’s a clear, evidence-based look at what’s happening, why it matters, and how to find local store closure information.
What’s happened: The administration and partial rescue
Claire’s UK and Ireland operations entered formal administration on 13 August 2025, following financial difficulties linked to the collapse of its U.S. parent company and weakening retail performance.
Retail administrators Interpath were appointed to manage the business and began exploring rescue options. By late September 2025, they struck a deal with private equity firm Modella Capital, which agreed to acquire 156 Claire’s stores across the UK and Ireland — preserving around 1,000 jobs.
However, 145 stores were not included in that acquisition and remain under administrator control, making them subject to permanent closure unless a buyer is found.
Why stores are closing
The decision to allow claire’s uk closing 145 stores stems from several verified factors addressing both company-specific and broader economic trends:
- Retail administration: The UK and Irish arm entered insolvency procedures after prolonged financial strain.
- Global pressures: The brand’s U.S. parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier in 2025, compounding challenges for UK operations.
- High street headwinds: Brick-and-mortar retailers across the UK face rising rents, competition from online marketplaces, and shifting consumer habits away from traditional mall-based shopping.
What the closures mean for communities
Employees and jobs
Staff working at the 145 stores earmarked for closure are not part of the transfer to Modella Capital and therefore face an uncertain future. Although administrators continue to trade these stores while exploring options, job losses are likely unless alternative buyers emerge.
Modella’s acquisition did preserve jobs in the 156 rescued stores, ensuring continuity for many employees.
Local high streets
The closure of claire’s uk closing 145 stores has tangible implications for town centres and shopping districts:
- Empty units: Vacant retail spaces can reduce footfall and affect neighbouring businesses.
- Sales and clearance activity: Many closing stores have launched clearance events to sell remaining inventory, sometimes with significant discounts.
- Community impact: Local shoppers and parents who frequented Claire’s for affordable accessories and services such as ear piercing may need to find alternatives.
Though a few local closures have already occurred (for example, the Richmond store has shut following its closure decision and is running clearance discounts before its final exit).
Local store closures and list access
At the time of writing, there is no single authoritative public list of all 145 locations being closed published by Claire’s or its administrators. Major news outlets and local news sites have partial confirmation for certain closures, but a full UK-wide list is not publicly verified in one source. Those wishing to find out whether a local Claire’s store is closing can:
- Check the Claire’s website or store locator for operational status updates.
- Visit local news outlets for confirmed closure reports in specific towns or cities.
- Look for store signage indicating “closing down” sales or final trading dates.
National and regional news sources such as Retail Insight Network note that exact closure dates vary by location and are announced locally as they are confirmed.
Broader retail context
The closures at Claire’s reflect a broader trend in UK retail. Industry analysts point to rising operational costs and increasing competition from e-commerce as persistent challenges for traditional high street retailers. 2025 has seen a surge in company insolvencies in the sector, with a notable increase in administration cases compared with the previous year.
While some brands are adapting through digital transformation or restructuring, others have struggled to maintain relevance amid evolving consumer behavior.
Conclusion: What to watch next
The claire’s uk closing 145 stores story is an important case study in the pressures facing UK high street retailers in the mid-2020s. Although many branches will close, others have found new life through Modella Capital’s acquisition, preserving jobs and maintaining retail presence in many areas.
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FAQ
Q: Why is Claire’s closing 145 UK stores?
A: Administrators were unable to include those 145 locations in a partial rescue deal, leaving them without a buyer and likely to close amid ongoing retail pressures.
Q: Are closure dates confirmed?
A: Closure dates vary by location and are typically announced locally by store management or administrators.
Q: Will any stores remain open?
A: Yes—156 stores were acquired by Modella Capital, securing their future and around 1,000 jobs.
Q: Where can I find a list of closing stores?
A: There is currently no central official list; check the Claire’s store locator or local news reports for updates.
