Derry Claire's Accessories store among 154 closed across Ireland and UK
Claire’s Accessories has closed all of its 154 high street shops across Ireland and the UK, including its shop in Derry’s Foyleside.
Around 1,300 staff will be made redundant as a result of the closures, administrators for the fashion chain said.
The move does not affect Claire’s Accessories 356 concessions, which are largely situated in larger retail stores such as Asda, not its head office.
The retailer – which is known for its jewellery, clothing accessories and ear-piercing services – was founded in the US and first launched in the UK in 1996.
The closures come after private equity owner Modella Capital hired Kroll to oversee the administration earlier this year.
Modella, which also owns former WH Smith high street business TG Jones and Hobbycraft, placed the brand into insolvency after it was hit by “alarming” weak Christmas trading.
It marked the second administration for the business in a matter of months, having originally been bought by Modella from administration in September last year.
In recent months, the Derry store has had a closing down sale with posters around the shop announcing its imminent closure.
A spokesman for Kroll said: “As of April 27, all Claire’s standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading.
“All store employees have been advised of redundancy.
“We understand an interested party is in discussion with a number of landlords with a view to taking new leases for some of the sites.”
The Claire’s Accessories UK website is still running, but there are no items listed for purchase.