Is Claire’s Going Out of Business or Making a Comeback?

Claire’s has been a beloved name in the accessory and jewellery market for decades, especially among teenagers and young adults. Once a staple in nearly every shopping centre across the UK and US, Claire’s faced serious financial challenges that sparked widespread rumours of its closure. But in 2025, the question remains: Is Claire’s going out of business, or is it quietly staging a comeback?

Let’s uncover the truth behind the brand’s recent history, its strategic pivots, and its future in the UK retail landscape.

What Led to the Rumours About Claire’s Going Out of Business?

The confusion about Claire’s financial stability stems from a mix of media reports, outdated news, and the volatile nature of high-street retail. In 2018, Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States, which understandably triggered concern among global consumers.

However, it’s critical to note that Claire’s UK operations were not part of the bankruptcy proceedings. The business continued operating in Britain without interruption at the time. Despite that, the news created a long-lasting misconception that the entire company was shutting down.

A lack of clear, ongoing communication from the brand only intensified the speculation, especially as some locations in both the UK and US did quietly close in the years that followed.

How Did Claire’s Bankruptcy Affect Its UK and Global Operations?

Claire’s US operations were the primary subject of the 2018 bankruptcy. Claire’s attributed its financial challenges to a combination of restructuring its debt, the decreasing popularity of malls, and intensifying market competition. In contrast, the UK division remained relatively stable, though some store closures occurred as part of a global realignment.

While the term “bankruptcy” sounds ominous, Chapter 11 in the US is often a restructuring tactic rather than a liquidation. Claire’s used this to eliminate a substantial portion of its debt and emerge leaner and more digitally focused.

That said, some UK consumers noticed changes, including reduced in-store inventory and limited store hours, which further fed into the idea of decline.

Is Claire’s Still Closing Stores in the UK in 2025?

As of 2025, Claire’s has neither confirmed nor denied a wide-scale closure of its UK locations. However, industry data suggests that store numbers have decreased modestly, particularly in shopping centres that are themselves struggling.

A visit to several London shopping destinations reveals that Claire’s still operates in key retail zones, albeit with smaller footprints and updated interiors. The brand seems to be consolidating rather than vanishing.

Some standalone stores have closed, but others have reopened or remained stable in high-traffic locations. It’s a strategic trimming of underperforming outlets rather than a total withdrawal from the market.

What Recovery Strategies Has Claire’s Implemented Since Filing for Bankruptcy?

Claire’s post-bankruptcy roadmap has been focused on adaptability and brand reinvention. It has taken several bold steps to regain market relevance:

• Increased digital presence: The brand invested heavily in eCommerce and now offers direct-to-home delivery across the UK.
• Experiential retail: Claire’s doubled down on in-store services like ear piercing, a core differentiator.
• Private equity involvement: Ownership shifted hands, with Elliott Management helping steer the comeback.

Claire’s also expanded into partnerships with larger retail chains, placing mini-stores or kiosks inside other outlets like Walmart in the US. In the UK, similar strategies are reportedly being explored with supermarket retailers.

Is Claire’s Making a Comeback Among Gen Z and Young Shoppers?

Surprisingly, yes. Claire’s has found a new pulse among Gen Z consumers who crave both nostalgia and personalisation. Its ear-piercing services have always been a rite of passage for many, and the brand has leaned into that cultural relevance.

In the age of TikTok and Instagram, Claire’s has cleverly positioned itself as a retro-chic brand. Its campaigns now frequently feature influencers and pop culture icons that resonate with today’s teens.

Additionally, Claire’s has introduced new product lines that reflect modern trends think pastel tech accessories, body jewellery, and themed gift sets while still retaining its core identity of fun, affordability, and flair.

How Is Claire’s Adapting to the Changing UK Retail Landscape?

 The UK retail sector has experienced dramatic shifts over the past ten years, reshaping how brands operate and engage with consumers. The decline of traditional shopping centres has pushed brands to reconsider their physical strategies. Claire’s has responded by:

• Downsizing store sizes and focusing on quality over quantity
• Enhancing the online shopping experience with exclusive deals and mobile-first design
• Investing in staff training to improve customer service, especially around piercings

It’s also looking into collaborations with entertainment brands and seasonal pop-up stores. Rather than fighting against digital trends, Claire’s appears to be embracing them to better connect with its audience.

What Is the Future of Claire’s in the UK Market?

While Claire’s may not be expanding rapidly, it certainly isn’t disappearing. The brand seems to be following a “survival through evolution” strategy. Its future hinges on maintaining a hybrid model balancing its physical presence in strategic areas with a robust online platform.

Claire’s 2025 roadmap in the UK includes:

• Enhanced digital marketing targeting UK teens and parents
• Limited edition collections featuring UK-based influencers
• Optimised local SEO for better online discoverability
• Partnerships with retail parks and lifestyle malls outside major city centres

Claire’s Business Snapshot: Then vs Now

Conclusion

Speculation about Claire’s shutting down has often been overstated especially when it comes to its UK presence. While it’s true that the brand has undergone significant downsizing and financial reorganisation, Claire’s is not going out of business. Rather, it’s transforming to better align with today’s retail realities and consumer preferences.

In many ways, Claire’s is becoming a case study in how legacy retail brands can reinvent themselves without losing their core identity. From nostalgic appeal to influencer partnerships, Claire’s may just be on the path to a new kind of relevance.

FAQs

Is Claire’s still in business in the UK?

Yes, Claire’s continues to operate stores across the UK, including in London, though with a leaner footprint than in previous years.

When did Claire’s file for bankruptcy?

Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in March 2018.

How many Claire’s stores are still open in London?

As of 2025, approximately 15–20 Claire’s stores are active in London, mostly located in high-traffic shopping areas.

What kind of accessories does Claire’s sell now?

Claire’s offers a wide range of products including earrings, necklaces, phone cases, makeup kits, hair accessories, and themed gift sets.

Has Claire’s shifted to online retail fully?

Not fully. While online retail is a growing part of the business, Claire’s still values in-store experiences, especially for ear piercing services.

Is Claire’s profitable in 2025?

Claire’s has returned to profitability in many markets thanks to digital growth, reduced debt, and targeted retail strategies.

Why do people think Claire’s is closing?

Misunderstandings around its 2018 bankruptcy and ongoing store closures have contributed to public perception that Claire’s is shutting down.