Claire’s plunges into administration – 1,000 jobs, 150 stores at risk | UK | News

Claire’s has collapsed into administration once again, in yet another major blow to Britain’s high street, putting 1,000 jobs and more than 150 stores at risk. The high street chain is understood to have filed a notice of intent to appoint administrators shortly after Christmas and today Kroll was appointed to deal with the collapse of its UK and Ireland operations.

Although both chains were acquired in emergency deals last year, the money eventually ran out and insiders said the collapse came amid numerous problems.

According to Sky News, sources close to the situation claimed that a combination of Government policy and landlords’ demands had made Claire’s situation unviable.

“This was a very difficult decision. We have worked hard to save both businesses, making last-ditch attempts to save them, but neither has a realistic prospect of trading profitably again.

“Under these circumstances, management is the only option. In both cases, the legacy effects of trade prior to our ownership have left them extremely vulnerable.”