Published: September 29, 2025 at 11:37 am
The UK and Ireland business of fashion accessories chain Claire’s has been bought out of administration by WH Smith and Crafter’s Companion owner Modella Capital, saving around 1,000 jobs.
Interpath, who led the sales process, confirmed the sale of ‘substantially most of the company’s business and assets’ to London-based specialist retail boutique Modella, which will also see 156 Claire’s stores across the UK and Ireland transfer to the company.
Claire’s was placed into administration on 13th August 2025 after its parent company, Claire’s Holdings LLC, commenced Chapter 11 proceedings in the US.
Its chief executive Chris Cramer described the decision as a “difficult” one to take and said its 278 shops in the UK and 28 in Ireland would remain open “while we explore the best possible path forward”.
The firm recorded a pre-tax loss of £4m on falling sales of £137m for the year to 3rd February 2024.
145 stores are not included as part of the transaction but will remain open and will continue to trade while the joint administrators continue to assess options for them.