A major high street retailer with more than 150 UK stores is offering huge discounts as it prepares to shut another branch for good. Claire’s Accessories at Swindon’s Designer Outlet is set to close on Saturday, April 11, with shoppers being urged to snap up bargains before the doors close for the final time. The store is currently holding a closing-down sale before saying goodbye to customers for good, with discounts of up to 70% and some jewellery items reportedly reduced to as little as £1.50.
The closure marks another blow for the brand in Swindon after its Brunel Shopping Centre store shut permanently on November 22 last year. Known for its ear-piercing service and colourful range of accessories, the brand became a firm favourite among younger shoppers during the 1990s and early 2000s.
The UK and Ireland arm of the retailer collapsed into administration in January, putting around 150 stores and up to 1,000 jobs at risk. It marked the second time the retailer had entered administration in less than a year.
The arm of the business entered administration following declining sales and mounting debt, leading to widespread store closures and the launch of ‘closing down’ sales of up to 50% off.
However, there are chances it could be saved. A French jewellery entrepreneur, the brand’s European owner, is said to be in talks to rescue the arm of Claire’s Accessories. He has already acquired Claire’s operations in France, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Switzerland (roughly 240 stores).
Mr Jarjoura is reportedly in talks with landlords and administrators to take over the remaining 154 UK stores, which could save roughly 1,300 jobs.
He plans to « refresh » the brand by slashing 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 told the Times: « Everyone has a personal experience with Claire’s — some people even told me they used to steal from it.
« As an entrepreneur I could not bear the idea of letting go a business that was worth saving. I was in London a few weeks ago and landlords have responded in a really positive way.”
He added: « Right now I think we are the only candidate with the [brand] licence… and able to save as many stores as possible and as many people as possible. »
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