Claire’s, the accessories specialist with about 350 shops, is understood to be pondering a CVA.

The retailer is thought to be working with restructuring firm Alix Partners on options including a CVA, according to the Press Association.

Claire’s would be the latest retailer to stage a CVA amid grim trading conditions this year, which have contributed to the demise of retailers such as House of Fraser, and led to CVAs at others including Carpetright.

Discussions between Claire’s and Alix Partners are understood to be at an early stage.

Earlier this year the retailer’s US parent, Claire’s Stores Inc, filed for bankruptcy and last week came out of Chapter 11 protection, after restructuring debt totalling almost $1.5bn.

No comment was immediately available from Claire’s.

However, a spokesperson for Claire’s earlier told The Sun: “There is no official plan to close stores, but we’re looking at stores that are underperforming and whether we could open in other locations and transfer staff. This is part of our normal business practice.”