FASHION ACCESSORIES CHAIN Claire’s has said it will appoint administrators for its UK and Ireland business, putting around 2,150 jobs at risk.

Claire’s UK stores will remain open as usual once administrators are brought in, and store staff will stay in their positions while the options for the retailer are assessed, the company announced.

Claire’s runs 2,750 stores across the world, including 15 stores in Ireland.

Chris Cramer, chief executive of the fashion and accessories chain, said: “This decision, while difficult, is part of our broader effort to protect the long-term value of Claire’s across all markets.

“In the UK, taking this step will allow us to continue to trade the business while we explore the best possible path forward.

“We are deeply grateful to our employees, partners and our customers during this challenging period.” 

The US-based business filed for bankruptcy in a court in Delaware last week.

It is the second time the group has declared bankruptcy, after first filing for the process in 2018 after it was unable to repay a loan.

The group saw its finances improve after wiping around $1.9 billion (€1.6 billion) off its balance sheet in a refinancing but has come under pressure from recent weak consumer demand and supply chain uncertainty.

Initially its UK stores were to be unaffected by the bankruptcy process, but the latest news indicates the opposite.

Last month, Sky News reported that Claire’s is working with advisers from Interpath to seek a potential sale or restructuring of its UK business.

The US group said it is continuing in strategic review for the business, including discussions with “potential strategic partners”.