Claire's Closes UK Stores, 1300 Jobs Lost

0:00On April 27, Claire's just shut down all its stand-alone stores across the UK and Ireland, wiping out around 1,300 jobs. Administrators from Crowell confirmed 154 locations are now closed, with redundancy notices out to the staff. The good news is, there are 356 concessions, like those in Oz to supermarkets, plus the head office, keep running as usual. Back in January, previous owners put the chain into administration, blaming a sharp drop in holiday shoppers. For generations of teens, Claire's was that go-to spot for ear piercings and flashy cheap jewelry, thin glittery earrings, and friendship bracelets. That screened fun and first taste of style. With scandals hit hard, from asbestos and makeup back in 2017, to reports of pushing piercings on upset kids, the chain spaced tub times before, filing for US bankruptcy twice first in 2018, then again last August. UK Boss is called it a tough, but needed step to protect the brand long term.

1:02Administrators say talks are underway with landlords for possible new leases on some spots, so fingers cross the comeback's brewing while concessions hold the line.