The Claire’s store at Eldon Square is part of the accessories shop franchise where many youngsters first got their ears pierced. It caters affordable fashion accessories, jewelry and cosmetics to kids, tweens and teenagers.
The shop has been in the same unit in Eldon Square for years.
Claire’s Accessories in October 2025 announced it would be shutting 145 branches across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The High Street chain entered administration in January after Modella Capital made the “tough decision” to begin insolvency proceedings for the business.
The high street chain was understood to be filing a notice of intention to appoint administrators shortly after Christmas, and in January Kroll was appointed to handle the insolvency of its UK and Irish operations.
Kroll said in a statement that the company is continuing to trade during this period.
About 1,000 jobs and more than 150 stores are at risk.
While Claire’s is leaving Eldon Square, the chain won’t be absent from all UK high streets as some of their branches have been protected as part of a deal with Modella.
Modella, which bought Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) last year, had previously restructured both companies after the takeover. The Original Factory Shop is now in the process of administration, with five North East locations at risk of closing down.
“Very sadly, we have had to initiate insolvency proceedings for The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) and Claire’s Accessories UK & Ireland,” a spokesperson said.
“This has been a very tough decision. We have worked intensively in an effort to save both businesses, having made last-ditch attempts to rescue them, but neither has a realistic possibility of trading profitably again.”
“In these circumstances, administration is the only option. In both cases, the legacy effects of trading prior to our ownership left them highly vulnerable.”