Claire's Accessories 'put up for sale' with future of 281 stores in doubt

Claire's Accessories has reportedly put itself up for sale - leaving the future of its 281 UK high street shops in doubt. The fashion and jewellery retailer has more than 2,000 stores globally but is facing higher import costs from US tariffs.

Bankers at Houlihan Lokey Inc have now been drafted in to search for potential buyers of part or all of Claire’s, according to Bloomberg.

It is not guaranteed that any sale will definitely happen and UK stores remain open as normal. The Mirror has contacted Claire's for comment.

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Julie Palmer, a partner at the financial consultancy Begbies Traynor, said the potential sale comes as "little surprise" following rising import costs and the impact of Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

She said: "Claire’s low-price offering is clearly not strong enough to win over its core customers – teens and young adults – as they now have access to a vast array of affordable and convenient products online through platforms like Amazon and Temu.

"So, with fewer reasons for its customers to visit their stores, the retailer has struggled to stay relevant."

Claire's, which has been controlled by former creditors including investment firms Elliott Management Corp and Monarch Alternative Capital LP since its 2018 bankruptcy, reportedly has a $500million (£368million) loan due in December 2026.

It comes after WHSmith agreed to sell its UK high street chain to investment firm Modella Capital in a deal valuing £76million. The stores will eventually rebrand as TGJones - meaning the WHSmith name will disappear after 233 years from town centres.

However, the struggling books and stationery retailer will keep hold of its more profitable travel locations, so shops in airports and train stations. These will remain open and will continue to operate under the WHSmith brand.

WHSmith has around 480 high street stores in the UK compared to its over 1,200 travel stores across 32 countries. WHSmith says its travel arm accounts for 85% of group profits.

Poundland has confirmed it will close 68 stores after the struggling retailer was sold for £1 to investment firm Gordon Brothers, the former owner of Laura Ashley.

On top of this, the budget chain wants to close its distribution centre at Darton, South Yorkshire and its national distribution centre at Bilston in the West Midlands in early 2026.

Poundland will also seek rent reductions at a number of other stores, will stop selling frozen food, and its website will stop taking orders, although shoppers will still be able to browse products and deals online.

The restructuring plan, which would put more than 1,000 jobs at risk, would need to be approved by the High Court before it can go ahead. Poundland, which is owned by Pepco Group, currently has 792 stores and employs around 16,000 people.