Claire’s falls into administration in UK and Ireland

Fashion jewellery and accessories chain Claire's has filed for administration in the UK and Ireland amid declining sales and intense competition pressures.

UK-based financial advisory and restructuring company Interpath's Will Wright and Chris Pole have been appointed as joint administrators.

The administration follows Claire's Holdings’ voluntary Chapter 11 proceedings in the US, announced in early August 2025.

Claire’s CEO Chris Cramer blamed the decision on “increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from bricks-and-mortar retail” and the company's “debt obligations, and macroeconomic factors”.

The joint administrators plan to continue trading while exploring a potential sale. All UK stores will remain open, and the administrators will prioritise informing the workforce in the UK and Ireland about the situation.

The company, headquartered in Birmingham, operates 306 stores across the UK and Ireland and employs 2,150 people.

Interpath UK CEO Will Wright stated: "Claire’s has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.

“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company. This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand."

While all physical stores remain open, the Claire's UK and Ireland website will no longer accept orders.

Previously placed online orders that have been dispatched will be delivered, but undelivered orders will not be charged.

Refunds for items bought before the administrators' appointment will not be provided by the administrators, but customers may seek purchase protection from their payment providers.

"Claire’s falls into administration in UK and Ireland" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.

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