French jewellery entrepreneur eyes rescue deal for Claire’s UK
French jewellery entrepreneur Julien Jarjoura is eyeing a potential rescue deal for the UK operations of Claire’s, following the retailer’s second collapse into administration in less than a year.
Jarjoura – who has already acquired the accessories retailer’s European businesses over the last year – is reportedly in discussions with landlords and administrators about a deal which could save a number of stores and jobs in the UK.
Claire’s currently operates 154 stores nationwide after a raft of closures. The retailer was placed into administration alongside The Original Factory Shop in January by their owner, private equity firm Modella Capital. Modella originally acquired Claire’s in autumn 2025, after the retailer’s previous collapse into administration saw the closure of over 140 stores.
Jarjoura said he could “not bear the idea of letting go a business that was worth saving”.
“I was in London a few weeks ago and landlords have responded in a really positive way”, he added.
Within the retailer’s European estate, Jarjoura has introduced new initiatives such as lower prices, a reduction on the reliance on heavy promotional activity, and refreshed store formats.
It is understood that he would consider price reductions of roughly a third in the UK as part of a broader turnaround strategy.