Claire’s Accessories UK Ltd, Claire's European Services Limited and Claire's European Distribution Limited - Administration

Claire’s Accessories UK Ltd, Claire's European Services Limited and Claire's European Distribution Limited, the UK arm of teen accessories retailer Claire’s, entered administration on 13 August, with Will Wright and Chris Pole of Interpath appointed joint administrators.

The appointment follows Chapter 11 and Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act filings by Claire’s in the US and Canada last week. Those filings are thought to have been precipitated by increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from bricks-and-mortar retail.

Claire’s is one of the UK’s most recognisable retail brands, known for its range of fashionable jewellery and accessories, as well as its piercing services. Headquartered in Birmingham, Claire’s UK currently employs over 2,150 people at 306 stores across the UK and Ireland.

All stores will remain open while the joint administrators assess options for the business, including the possibility of a going concern sale.

JPMorganChase Bank and HSBC UK Bank each have a registered charge against at least one of the companies.