Claire's closes 154 stores with loss of 1,300 jobs

All of accessories chain Claire's standalone stores have stopped trading in the UK and Ireland, after the firm's financial woes saw it fall in to administration twice in the space of one year.

Administrators Kroll said 154 stores have ceased trading and more than 1,300 staff have been "notified of redundancy", though concession outlets and its European stores will remain open for now.

Known for its colourful shop fronts and racks of jewellery, bracelets and its ear piercing services, the brand's bright purple branding is a familiar sight for millions of teens during a Saturday shop.

But it suffered amidst competition from the likes of cheaper, online brands such as Shein and Temu.

Changing consumer tastes also spelled the death knell for the retailer, which has struggled like many High Street firms.

Kroll said: "As of 27th April, all Claire's standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading. All store employees have been advised of redundancy."

Its previous owners, Modella Capital, said in January that part of the reason it had to put Claire's in to administration was "alarming" low Christmas trading which left it in a "vulnerable" position.

It also blamed the climate on the High Street, which it said "remains extremely challenging", adding that government policy had caused a tough trading environment by raising staffing costs and employer National Insurance contributions.