High street fashion retailer collapses into administration as THOUSANDS of Irish jobs at risk amid online order freeze
Popular fashion retailer Claire's has appointed joint administrators as bosses scramble to secure the future of the beloved brand.
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Thousands of jobs in Ireland are feared to be at risk
Credit: Alamy
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The brand has appointed administrators to secure the future of Claire's
Credit: Getty
And its US parent company confirmed that online orders have been stopped for the time being.
It was also confirmed that orders made on the website which have not yet been shipped will not be sent.
The administrators have been appointed to the brand's UK and Ireland stores, of which there are 306.
Over 270 of these are based across England, Scotland, and Wales, while the remaining 28 are in Ireland.
Interpath confirmed that Will Wright and Chris Pole have been appointed as administrators in a statement this evening.
CEO Wright said: "Claire's has long been a popular brand across the UK, known not only for its trend-led accessories but also as the go-to destination for ear piercing.
"Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the company.
"This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand."
The role of the new appointees will be to try and rescue the chain.
It has faced trouble in recent times as sales fell due to less demand from customers.
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But it's been confirmed that the shops in the UK and Ireland will remain open for now.
And the company said that all current staff will remain in their positions for the time being.
Chief executive officer for Claire's, Chris Cramer, 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."
Customers who will not receive packages that won't be shipped will be refunded.
And orders that have already been dispatched will still arrive as usual.
Customers who were hoping to return an item for a refund will not be able to do so at this time.
The move comes just weeks after Claire's parent company filed for bankruptcy in the US.
They filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a court in Delaware last week.
It became the second time that the company had done so, after filing for the same process in 2018.
How will the affect shoppers?
Here's all you need to know:
Will Claire's be leaving the high street?
Claire's bosses have said that administrators have been appointed with the aim of keeping its stores open.
At the moment, there are no plans to close any stores.
Will I still be able to shop in-store?
Yes, Claire's has confirmed for customers that stores will remain open for now.
Can I still shop on the website?
Orders can not be placed through the Claire's website at this time.
Any orders placed that have yet to be delivered will be cancelled and customers will not receive them.
Customers will not be charged for these unshipped orders.
And any orders that have already shipped will arrive as normal.
Can I get a refund?
Customers who bought an item in-store won't be able to get a refund from Claire's at this time.
But shoppers have been advised to keep evidence of the purchase as they might be able to get a refund instead from a credit or debit card provider.
Proof of purchase and details should be sent to clairescustomers@interpath.com.
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