CLAIRE’S, THE ACCESSORY chain known to generations of Irish children, is being put into administration, after their owner said “last-ditch” measures had fallen through, putting dozens of Irish staff at risk of redundancy.

The US-based retailer, best known for ear piercings and fashion jewellery, is struggling with falling sales, mounting debt, and the continued shift towards online shopping.

The retail chain had already undergone restructuring and were bought by investment firm Modella Capital last year.

Modella said it had made the “tough decision” to kickstart insolvency proceedings for the businesses.

It will mean dozens of employees in 15 shops across Ireland will be put at risk. Claire’s runs a total of 2,750 stores across the world.

Court records show that a notice of intention to appoint an administrator was filed in relation to both chains on Monday afternoon.

A spokesman for the company said: “We have worked intensively in an effort to save the business, having made last-ditch attempts to rescue it, but it does not have a realistic possibility of trading profitably again.

“In these circumstances, administration is the only option,” the statement continued.

“The legacy effects of trading prior to our ownership left them highly vulnerable.”

Modella said tough retail conditions, including from government policies, were causing British businesses to “suffer”.

“The climate on the high street remains extremely challenging,” the firm said.

“A combination of very weak consumer confidence, highly adverse government fiscal policies, and continued cost inflation, is causing many established and much-loved businesses to suffer badly.

“It’s a simple fact that if retailers can’t make money, they risk having to close, and jobs across the country are lost.”

Modella bought more than 150 Claire’s shops last year, but 145 were not included in the deal, leading to their closure.

The fashion accessories chain had appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business after filing for bankruptcy in the US.