Claire’s closes UK store with huge sale after plunging into administration | UK | News
A high street retailer with more than 150 stores in the UK is offering huge discounts as it prepares to close a branch completely. Claire’s Accessories at Swindon’s Designer Outlet will close on Saturday, April 11, with shoppers urged to snap up the bargains before the doors close for the final time. The store is currently running a closing sale with up to 70% off and some jewelery items down to £1.50 before bidding farewell to customers for good.
The closure represents a fresh blow for the brand in Swindon, following the permanent closure of its Brunel Shopping Center store on November 22 last year. Known for its ear piercing service and range of colorful accessories, the brand became a firm favorite among young shoppers in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The retailer’s UK and Ireland arm collapsed into administration in January, putting around 150 stores and up to 1,000 jobs at risk. This is the retailer’s second entry into administration in less than a year.
The arm of the business went into administration following declining sales and rising debts; This led to widespread store closures and sales ‘shutdowns’ with discounts of up to 50%.
But there is a chance they can be rescued. The brand’s European owner, the French jewelery entrepreneur, is said to be in talks to save the arm of Claire’s Accessories. It has already acquired Claire’s operations (about 240 stores) in France, Spain, Portugal, Austria and Switzerland.
Mr Jarjoura is reportedly in talks with landlords and managers to take over the remaining 154 stores in the UK; This could save around 1,300 jobs.
It plans to “refresh” the brand by dropping prices by up to 33% and simplifying the confusing “Buy One Get One” promotions that have long been a staple of the store.
Mr Jarjoura said: Times: “Everyone has a personal experience with Claire’s – some people have even told me they stole from it.
“As an entrepreneur, I couldn’t stand the idea of leaving a business worth saving. I was in London a few weeks ago and the landlords reacted really positively.”
He added: “I think we are the only candidate at the moment. [brand] license… and we can save as many stores as possible and as many people as possible.”
