Claire’s closes all UK stores, marking the end of a 90s high street icon
Claire’s has closed all 154 standalone UK and Ireland stores, ending an era for a much-loved 90s kids' shopping favourite.
All Claire’s standalone stores across the UK and Ireland have stopped trading, marking the end of an era for many parents who grew up visiting the colourful accessories chain.
The retailer, known for its bright purple shop fronts, racks of jewellery and popular ear-piercing service, has closed 154 stores after falling into administration twice within a year. More than 1,300 staff have been notified of redundancy.
While standalone stores have now shut, Claire’s 350 concessions are expected to remain open.
What has happened to Claire’s?
Administrators Kroll confirmed the closures in a statement, saying: “As of 27 April, all Claire's standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading. All store employees have been advised of redundancy.”
The closures affect every standalone Claire’s location in the UK and Ireland, bringing an abrupt end to the chain’s high street presence.
For many mums, Claire’s was a staple part of teenage shopping trips, famous for friendship bracelets, mood rings, hair clips and those all-important first ear piercings.
Why has Claire’s closed its stores?
Claire’s owners, Modella Capital, said in January that the business had been left in a “vulnerable” position after “alarming” low Christmas trading.
The company also said the high street remained “extremely challenging”, adding that increased staffing costs, including National Insurance contributions, had created a tougher retail environment.
Like many established high street names, Claire’s has also faced growing competition from online retailers offering lower prices and fast-changing trends.
How shopping habits have changed
Retail analyst Catherine Shuttleworth told the BBC that younger shoppers now have more choice than ever when it comes to where they spend their money.
She said: “Competition has never been tougher for Gen Alpha shoppers. They are the generation of social shoppers, changing the way they buy and expecting more from the brands that they interact with.
“This age group now have so many options to spend their cash that shops just selling 'stuff' simply doesn't cut it.”
As well as online rivals such as Shein and Temu, high street brands including Primark and Superdrug have also competed in the same affordable accessories space.
Will Claire’s disappear completely?
Not entirely. Claire’s concessions, typically found inside larger stores, are set to remain open for now.
That means some families may still be able to shop the brand in selected locations, including for accessories and ear-piercing services, depending on where they live.
A nostalgic high street name for many parents
For millennial mums, Claire’s was often a rite of passage, whether that meant choosing a first pair of earrings, buying glittery birthday presents or spending pocket money on the latest hair accessories.
Its closure reflects the wider pressures facing the UK high street, where rising costs and changing shopping habits continue to reshape familiar town centre names.
Claire’s US arm, where the brand first launched in 1961, is also under pressure, having filed for bankruptcy for the second time in 2025, after a previous filing in 2018.
Where can kids get their ears pierced now Claire’s has closed?
- Accessorize – Many Accessorize stores across the UK offer ear piercing services, often for children aged 6+ with parental consent. Check your local branch before visiting.
- Lovisa – The jewellery chain offers ear piercing in selected stores, with a range of starter earrings and aftercare products available.
- Astrid & Miyu – This jeweller offers 20-minute piercing appointments (up to 3 piercings) with after care advice.
- F.Hinds and H.Samuel – Both of these long-running jewellery stores offer piercing for free when you buy select earrings
- Superdrug – Some larger Superdrug locations offer ear piercing services through trained staff or in-store beauty services.
- Independent jewellers – Many local jewellers provide ear piercing using sterile systems and can be a good option for personalised advice.
- Professional piercing studios – Reputable piercing studios can pierce children’s ears, often using single-use needles rather than piercing guns. Look for studios with strong hygiene standards and experience piercing minors.
- Pharmacies and beauty clinics – Some independent pharmacies and beauty salons also offer ear piercing, depending on location.
What parents should check before booking
- Minimum age policy, this varies by retailer or studio
- Whether parental consent and ID are required
- Hygiene standards and staff training
- Type of piercing method used
- Aftercare advice and products provided
Images: Getty