Over 150 Claire’s stores acquired in rescue deal
More than 150 Claire’s stores in the UK and Ireland have been acquired by a private equity firm as part of a rescue deal.
Modella Capital – which also owns Hobbycraft and TGJones (formerly WHSmiths) – has acquired 156 stores alongside a licence to trade as Claire’s in the UK and Ireland. These have been purchased from Ames Watson, the US-based owner of the brand’s intellectual property.
This comes after the jewellery and accessories retailer entered administration in August. The brand has been a staple of UK and Ireland high streets since 1974, but has faced significant challenges in recent years. These include increasing debts such as a £355m repayment due to be repaid in December 2026.
Modella said it will now enter a period of negotiations with landlords to determine which of the 156 stores can remain open.
Joseph Price, managing director at Modella Capital, said: “As a firm, we strongly believe that this much-loved brand deserves the chance to remain on the High Street in the UK and Ireland. The issues that Claire’s is facing are significant, and we will need to work collaboratively with all interested parties if our proposed rescue plan is to succeed.”