Claire’s Accessories which has a Highland store in Eastgate Shopping Centre files for administration in UK
A fashion and jewellery retail chain with a branch in Inverness has announced its intention to appoint administrators in the UK.
Claire’s Accessories, which has a store in Eastgate, filed for bankruptcy in the US last week, sparking fears for the future of its UK branches — around 280 across the country.
Now the company said it is set to appoint administrators for its UK and Ireland business, putting around 2,150 jobs at risk.
Advisory firm Interpath has now been tasked with finding a potential rescue strategy for the popular brand.
Commenting on the news last week Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire's, said the move was a “difficult, but necessary one” and that it was due to increasing competition anc a change in consumer spending trends as well as the “ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors”.
A manager at the Inverness branch said that they “remain positive” and will be “just waiting” to see what the future holds for the brand.
Will Wright, UK chief executive at Interpath, commented: “Claire’s has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.
“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company.
“This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand.”