High street favourite Claire’s is set to shut 20 stores across Ireland as part of a wider collapse that will see 145 outlets close throughout the UK and Ireland. The closures follow a partial rescue deal which saved just over half of the company’s 300 stores.
The accessories chain — known to generations of teens for its earrings, hair clips and phone cases — was rescued last week by Modella Capital, an investment firm that bought the majority of the business from administrators. However, the deal didn’t extend to all stores, leaving around 1,000 jobs at risk across the two islands.
Interpath, the firm handling the administration, said the affected stores will remain open “as long as possible” while potential buyers are sought, but clearance sales have already begun in several locations. Final closure dates will depend on individual lease agreements and stock levels.
The move comes just weeks after Claire’s filed for bankruptcy protection in the US, a sign of wider financial strain on the brand’s international operations. Despite this, Modella — which has quickly grown into a major retail player — said it plans to keep the Claire’s brand trading on the high street.
Modella has become well known in the retail sector since its launch in 2022, having already taken over WH Smith’s high street division, acquired Hobbycraft, and invested in Ted Baker.
“We are pleased to confirm a sale of the majority of Claire’s UK business and assets, which will ensure this popular brand continues to trade on high streets up and down the UK,” said Natasha Harbinson, managing director at Interpath.
For Irish shoppers, here’s the full list of Claire’s stores set to close permanently:
Killarney – The Outlet Centre Fair Hill
Cork – 52 St Patrick Street
Limerick – 4 Cruises Street
Dublin – Nutgrove Shopping Centre
Dublin – Central Mall, Ilac Shopping Centre
Dublin – Omni Park Centre
Mullingar – Harbour Place
Drogheda – Scotch Hall
Bray – 98 Main Street
Arklow – Bridgewater Shopping Centre
Sligo – 3 Johnston Court
Kilkenny – McDonagh Junction
Wexford – 4 North Main Street
Tralee – Manor West Retail Park
The closures mark another blow for Ireland’s high streets, where several well-known brands have downsized or disappeared entirely over the past two years. For many customers, especially younger shoppers who grew up visiting Claire’s, it signals the end of a familiar stop on weekend shopping trips — one more reminder of how quickly the retail landscape is changing.
