Claire's to return to UK high streets from next month

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Accessories and jewellery specialist Claire’s is anticipated to reopen on UK high streets from next month.

Approximately 50 stores are expected to start opening from June, run by the operator of the chain in France, Austria, Portugal and Spain, The Guardian has reported.

French entrepreneur Julien Jarjoura, owner of jeweller Une Ligne, who runs Claire’s shops in Europe, has had the go-ahead from the US owner of the Claire’s brand, Ames Watson, to relaunch the retailer in the UK. He is signing leases with landlords at present.

^{2024: Three years of losses}

^{Accounts for the year ending March 2024 revealed a £4.7m loss on revenues of £137m, contributing to a loss of £25m over three years.}

^{2025: First administration}

^{August 7: The US parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.}
^{August 13: Claire’s UK and Ireland business collapsed into administration, putting 2,150 jobs at risk.}
^{August 20: US and Canadian businesses were bought out of bankruptcy by Ames Watson.}
^{September: Modella Capital acquired 156 stores and the rights to the brand name in the UK and Ireland for £3.6m. The deal saved 1,000 jobs, but 145 stores were closed.}
^{October: Modella Capital demanded rent holidays from landlords to see the business through Christmas.}

^{2026: Second administration}

^{January 6: Following low Christmas sales, Modella announced its intention to appoint administrators.}
^{January 26: Claire’s went into administration for the second time in less than a year.}
^{March: Julien Jarjoura entered discussions to acquire 50 UK stores.}
^{April 27: Claire’s ceased trading in the UK and Ireland. All 154 standalone stores were closed, and 1,300 staff were made redundant.}
^{May 1: Jarjoura says he will relaunch Claire’s in the UK and is signing leases with landlords.}

Jarjoura revealed his intentions in the wake of the closure of Claire’s – formerly owned by Modella, which also owns TGJones – with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs earlier this week.

He told The Guardian: “I feel so sad when I see such a nice business going down. The brand was basically dead, and we’re bringing it back to life.”

He said he hopes to reopen four to 10 stores a week from June and added: “A lot of people think Claire’s is a British brand. It is extremely famous in the UK, and there is no way it is going away.”

He blamed the brand’s demise on a lack of investment in stores and products that were not right for the UK and became too expensive, leading to a reliance on discounting.

He will overhaul shops, carry on with ear-piercing services and bring in new jewellery and accessories. Prices will start from £1.90, but some items may cost more than £100.

He said: “There will definitely be some brand repositioning. We are not a discount store, but we like to sell stuff at a fair price.”

He acknowledged it will “take a bit of time to bring back the customers”, especially those accustomed to discounting.