Savvy shoppers race to Claire's for ‘closing down' sales where earrings cost a PENNY as company file for administration
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
SHOPPERS are racing to get their hands on a piece of their childhood, as a wave of bargain hunting takes over social media.
Following the news that Claire's has collapsed into administration, a frenzy of viral videos shows customers swarming stores to grab heavily discounted items.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
2
Shoppers are racing to Claire's to get their hands on some bargain items
Credit: Alamy
One such shopper, TikToker Shivani Khosla, who is known as 'khoslaa', shared a video of her rushing over to the high-street store, which was a staple for many Brits growing up.
While explaining how she got her ears pierced at Claire's when she was five-years-old she filmed the inside of her local Claire's and challenged herself to see what she can get for £10.
Shivani discovered that "right now, there is a sale. If you buy three items, you get the fourth one completely free."
Her video gained 597.1k views and 491 comments after just two days of being shared.
One person wrote: "Guys we need to save Claire's."
Another TikToker who is known as 'toosexc4diswrld' revealed that they even got a pair of earrings for a penny.
Her video gained 2.6 million views and 866 comments after three days of being shared.
One person wrote: "I'm going to miss this store."
Nostalgic 90's retailer files for bankruptcy after chain misses rent payments for June and July
The beloved high-street brand officially collapsed into administration, but all 306 stores across the UK and Ireland are set to remain open, with no jobs lost under the current plans.
However, a number of changes will impact shoppers directly.
Online orders have been suspended, and any outstanding orders that have not yet been shipped will be cancelled.
Customers who placed these orders can expect to receive a refund.
Meanwhile, orders that have already been dispatched will arrive as usual.
In a further blow to customers, Claire's is no longer processing refunds for returns.
Shoppers who have items to return may need to contact their credit or debit card provider to see if they can obtain a refund.
Consultancy firm Interpath has appointed Will Wright and Chris Pole as joint administrators to manage the struggling company.
2
Khoslaa headed to her local Claire's store
Credit: tiktok/@khoslaa
Mr 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 current situation follows the Claire's parent company's second bankruptcy filing in the US this month, having previously declared itself bust over unpaid loans in 2018.
Global presence
Although Claire's has a global presence with 2,750 stores across 17 countries, reports suggest that the UK branch is not expected to find a buyer.
A senior insolvency expert noted that potential buyers, such as Hilco Capital, have recently withdrawn their offers upon realising the severity of the chain's financial issues.
Claire's UK division has faced financial difficulties, incurring losses of £25 million over the last three years.
In the year ending March 2024, the company recorded a loss of £4.7 million, a slight improvement from the £5 million loss reported the year before.
During the same period, its turnover declined to £137 million.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Sun
Holiday expert reveals exact time to book your tickets for August bank holiday flights & how you can save hundreds
HOLIDAY experts have revealed the exact time and date Brits should book their tickets ahead of the August bank holiday to save hundreds of pounds. It's not too late to book last-minute flight tickets for holiday trips over the August bank holiday weekend. Brits can still find ways to get out of the country that won't blow the budget for the weekend of August 25. This includes trips to classic European escapes and hotspots like Disneyland Paris. Ticket experts have analysed pricing data and industry travel trends. CEO of AttractionTickets, Oliver Brendon, explained: 'It's easy to assume the early bird always gets the deal. "In reality, travel companies adjust fares repeatedly based on demand, and we see opportunities appear even in the final days before departure. "There's still time to save on last-minute August bank holiday travel if you know when to book.' Brendon reveals the trick to finding value no matter how late the purchase is made. Through review of historic pricing, as well as industry reports, Sundays have been found to regularly deliver the lowest average booking prices. This is because airlines adjust seat availability and prices over the weekend. Therefore, holidaymakers who plan to book on Sundays can more often find a better deal and pay significantly less than those who book on other days. 3 tips to help you get the cheapest flights when booking holidays Furthermore, Fridays have been found to be time to avoid as it is the time when prices tend to spike due to increasing demand. A clear morning advantage has also been found through analyses. Around 6am is when the fresh fares tend to show up, so it is good to get in early before search traffic ramps up into the day. So those looking to book a getaway from the bank holiday this month should set their alarms for Sunday morning. Oliver adds 6am on Sunday, August 17 "both sit within the sweet spot before the long weekend and will give you a chance at potentially unlocking better pricing.' This timing tip comes from expert insights and data-driven research from travel and ticketing platforms. It also focused on last-minute booking trends by travellers in the UK. The advise follows suggestions from CEO of Ryanair, Michael O'Leary, who said flights could also be booked cheaper in the first two months of the year. Winter months are believed to be the best time of the year to find cheap air fares, as well as just before the peak of school holidays. Another study looked in to the best time to book flights for certain destinations. For Faro in Portugal, the cheapest flights for the summer holidays were found to be just five weeks before travelling. And for long-haul flights like to New York, the best time was found to be June to book for an August vacation. Other tips for saving money on flights Here are some of the best ways you can save money on flights Mistake Fares A mistake fare is essentially an error that occurs when airlines or travel agents accidentally list the wrong price for a flight. It might happen when airline staff accidentally leave out a zero — or two — while listing the cost of a ticket online. While the odds of airlines making these mistakes are fairly low, such incidents do occur from time to time — and travellers can save hundreds of pounds by just keeping an eye out. However, they will have to be quick as airlines will remove these prices as soon as they spot the mistake. Being flexible Being fussy about where you go on holiday can reduce your options for saving money. Going on Google Flights and clicking on the map instead of searching for a specific destination will show you the cheapest rates to a number of cities. That way you can make sure you head to the most affordable destination, or at least choose somewhere with cheap flights. Avoid pricey luggage additions Most airlines now charge extra for passengers to check luggage in during their flights and it's much more affordable to fly with just carry-on. So practice packing before you fly and make sure you can squash everything into a case or bag that will fit in the airline's hand luggage rules — it could save you a fair amount.
Western Telegraph
an hour ago
- Western Telegraph
Claire's store in Haverfordwest at risk of closing
Claire's revealed on Wednesday (August 13) that it had filed a Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators ("NOI"). Interpath later confirmed Will Wright and Chris Pole had been appointed joint administrators. The administrators are set to seek a potential rescue deal for the chain, which has seen sales tumble in the face of recent weak consumer demand. What happens when a company goes into administration? This all comes after the US-based Claire's group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a court in Delaware last week. It is the second time the group has declared bankruptcy, after first filing for the process in 2018. Chief executive of 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.' The UK high street shops that no longer exist Claire's store in Haverfordwest at risk of closing Claire's currently has 306 stores across the UK and Ireland - 278 in the UK and 28 in Ireland, while it has more than 2,150 employees. All these stores and jobs are now at risk, following Wednesday's administration update. One of the UK's 278 stores now at risk is located in Haverfordwest (Unit 7 Riverside Quay, Haverfordwest, SA61 2LJ). Claire's has revealed that for now, all its UK and Ireland stores will remain open and staff will stay in their current positions. Interpath said Mr Wright and Mr Pole will be contacting all of Claire's employees in the UK and Ireland to 'provide further information about what the administration means for them'. RECOMMENDED READING: Mr Wright, UK chief executive at Interpath, 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.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Decide which route is right for you after GCSEs with our guide on understanding what your main options are
In 2023, just four per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds went into employment after finishing their GCSEs SUNEMPLOYMENT Decide which route is right for you after GCSEs with our guide on understanding what your main options are Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GCSE results day is fast approaching but this year the future is looking a little different for 16 and 17-year-olds. Instead of taking the traditional route of A-levels or technical qualifications, we are seeing more school leavers opting to go straight to work. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 We are seeing more schools leavers opting to go straight to work via apprenticeships Credit: Getty In 2023, just four per cent of 16 and 17-year-olds went into employment after finishing their GCSEs. But figures from early careers platform reports a near-doubling of enquiries for Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships, which are designed for young people leaving school after their GCSEs. 'We're witnessing a significant shift in how young people view their career paths post GCSEs,' says Oliver Sidwell, co-founder of 'With university fees continuing to climb, increasing competition for places and growing concerns about graduate employment prospects, today's students are making pragmatic choices.' READ MORE ON EMPLOYMENT FEEL THE HEAT Employment lawyers explain rules on maximum temperature for workplaces And Dan Miller, founder of Young Professionals UK, which places school leavers into professional apprenticeships, has also seen a 'huge rise' in 16 and 17-year-olds eager to get straight to work, fuelled by social media. He said: 'The ever increasing online visibility of successful apprentices and young entrepreneurs are both reshaping what success looks like for this generation.' You must be in full-time education or training until you are 18. So to help you decide which route is right for you, here are your main options after GCSEs. A-LEVELS: Most students take three or four to prepare them for work or Uni, with around 80 subjects on offer nationally. Check with your school or college as to what they offer. APPRENTICESHIPS: The 'earn as you learn' schemes offer real work experience alongside the chance to study for professional qualifications. After GCSEs you will start at Level 2/3 and you can continue up to Level 7, which is equivalent to a masters degree. See apprenticeship. GMB talks to students ahead of GCSE results Cassie Holloway left school at 16 and found an apprenticeship through Young Professionals. Now 19, she is a senior recruitment consultant at Office Angels. Cassie, from Northampton, said: 'I wasn't the most well-behaved or engaged student at school, which meant I didn't achieve the grades I needed to get into sixth form. 5 Cassie Holloway left school at 16 and found an apprenticeship through Young Professionals Credit: Supplied 'However, finding an apprenticeship changed everything. For the first time, I felt important, I had a real purpose. That gave me the motivation I needed to work hard. 'Apprenticeships offer real-world experience that you simply can't get in a lecture hall. 'Plus, you're earning a proper wage instead of racking up debt — it's a win-win situation. Follow @youngprouk on Instagram for real-time advice, updates and job opportunities. T-LEVELS: A classroom-based alternative to apprenticeships for 16 to 18 year olds, with a 45-day industrial placement. Careers range from science to finance, to creative and design and students are awarded UCAS tariff points in line with 3 A-Levels. Vocational qualifications: Qualifications such as BTECs give young people a broad overview of working in a specific sector, such as business, media, engineering, leisure or science and technology. Autumn resits: Want to improve your GCSE grades? Examination boards offer autumn resists in all subjects. Talk to your school or college. Get help: See or call 0800 100 900. The helpline is free and is open weekdays 8am-8pm and Saturday from 10am-5pm. 5 GCSE results day is fast approaching and school leavers are preparing to enter the workforce Credit: Getty CLASSY CAREER MOVES LEE BIGGINS, above, left school at 16 and is now an entrepreneur and founder of jobs board CV-Library. Here are his top tips for 16-year-old leavers who are keen to start a 'proper job' immediately. 1. Show you are serious from the start: Dress appropriately for interviews, arrive on time and put effort into every task as first impressions really last. 2. Learn workplace skills: Practice the basics such as answering the phone, greeting customers and clients, allowing you to adapt to different workplace environments. 3. Demonstrate determination: Be dependable, punctual, enthusiastic and willing to learn and adapt – all traits employers value as much as skills in the right profession. 4. Start networking: Stay connected with school friends, colleagues, managers and people you meet through work. 5. Use LinkedIn and industry forums to build relationships that could help in the future. 6. Say yes to new opportunities: If a task or project feels daunting or unfamiliar, give it a go as it is how you will build skills, confidence, tenacity and resilience. 7. Take feedback constructively: Listening, learning and improving will help you progress faster, building resilience and a stronger set of skills going forward. 8. Think beyond your first job: Use the skills and experience you gain to open doors to future opportunities. Train up with Tech 5 Three-star Michelin chef Clare Smyth began her career as an apprentice Credit: Supplied SMALL businesses and charities struggling to take on apprentices have been given a lifeline by Virgin Media O2, which a £1million apprenticeship levy fund to train people for roles in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Organisations can access the fund to cover the cost of training for eligible roles. The programme is designed to support women and people from global majority backgrounds looking to progress in a STEM-based jobs. The fund concept is backed by three-star Michelin chef Clare Smyth, who began her career as an apprentice. She said: 'By tackling access and affordability constraints, and targeting underrepresented groups, this scheme can make a huge difference to communities across the country.' Currently, four in five employers say they would be more likely to hire apprentices if additional financial support was available, so the scheme could unlock hundreds of opportunities for young people and career-changers. Employers can apply at: Job spot HILTON Hotels has entry-level roles for cleaning and food servicxes roles. See com/emea/en/UKIreland. YOU can search UCAS for Level 2 and 3 apprenticeships. See You can make the grade 5 Jacqui Maher, deputy principal at Birmingham's South & City College, shares her GCSE resit guidance Credit: Supplied DIDN'T get the grades you wanted? Don't worry, you can always retake to up your score. Here Jacqui Maher, deputy principal at Birmingham's South & City College, shares her GCSE resit guidance. 1. Don't panic – it may feel like the end of the world right now, but it's not a disaster and you're not alone. 2. Even celebrities such as Robbie Williams have spoken about their intention to resit exams. 3. Don't let your results put you off enrolling for a course that will lead to the career of your choice. You can study a resit alongside your vocational programme – it might just take a little longer. 4. Taking resits needn't be an isolating experience. Get in touch with your local further education college as it might offer supported tuition, so regardless of your background or financial position, high- quality tuition is available. 5. Communicate with your teacher about your doubts, try to work on your weaknesses, and be prepared to try out different study techniques until you find what really works for you. 6. Be prepared to put in the time. Resitting either English or maths GCSE without any commitment to studying won't lead to improved results. 7. Seek reassurance in the fact that you're not the first to resit an exam and those who've come before you have often found it a positive experience. On our Get Further programme, students have said: 'Just keep at it. Make sure you get a little bit done every day, attend as much as you can, and really understand it.'
