Latest news with #American-founded
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Major retailer cancels online orders and refunds as it collapses into administration
The iconic chain currently operates over 300 stores across the UK and Ireland alone. The British high street has been dealt a further blow, as another iconic retailer has collapsed into administration across the UK and Ireland, leaving over 2,000 jobs at risk. For over 60 years, Claire's Accessories has been a staple go-to for many young girls thanks to its vast selection of jewellery, accessories, and toys, as well as its popular ear piercing service. However, in June this year, the beloved firm had called in advisors and was considering a sale as it faced an outstanding loan worth $480million (£355million) that needs to be repaid in December 2026. As of yesterday, August 13, following struggling sales and competition, the chain has officially fallen into administration across the UK and Ireland where it operates over 300 stores. Following its collapse, Claire's' website is now no longer taking any online orders, with customers also unable to seek refunds on orders made prior to it falling into administration. The Retail Gazette also reports that any orders that have yet to be dispatched are also expected to be cancelled following the move. However, it has also been reported that Claire's stores will currently continue to operate as normal for the time being, with no staff members set to lose their job as of yet. Interpath UK chief executive Will 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." Claire's Accessories is an American-founded brand, where it trademarks as Icing, with its main headquarters based in Chicago after it was first founded in 1961. The firm, which is said to now operate over 3,000 stores across 37 countries, has previously filed for bankruptcy in 2018 with hedge funds Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital helping to restructure its debts. It's just the latest blow to hit the UK high street recently, as Poundland earmarked a total of 25 stores for closure, with its Perth and Irvine branches set for closure by September. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The discounter, which was sold in a £1 deal from Pep & Co to former Laura Ashley owners the Gordon Brothers, also announced it was axing online orders made on its website and its Poundland Perks app from September 16. Another budget chain, The Original Factory Shop, is also set to close down its Blairgowrie, Nairn and Kinross, although dates have still yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, we also previously reported on all the high street closures to hit the UK high street this month (August), with major names including GAME, River Island, New Look and H&M closing stores up and down the country. The Daily Record has approached Claire's Accessories for a comment.
Express Tribune
20-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Govt slams vandalising fast-food outlets
Listen to article Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry on Saturday said around 160 people have been arrested after mobs carried out 20 separate attacks on an international fast-food chain, with one employee shot dead, which is both regrettable and unacceptable. The American-founded fast food chain has become a target of protest and boycott calls by religiopolitical parties since the start of the war in Gaza, linking the brand to US support for Israel. "A total of 20 incidents occurred across Pakistan with one fatality reported. The man was a staff member at the fast-food chain," the state minister told a news conference, describing the chain as "under attack". He called the tragic loss of a life in Sheikhupura a deeply saddening incident. Chaudhry said that 145 people were arrested in Punjab and 15 in Islamabad over the spate of attacks. "These restaurants source everything locally and employ Pakistani staff, and their earnings remain within the country," he said. The minister vowed that the government would deal with the attackers strictly. "The state has a responsibility to protect the lives and properties, whether they are of Pakistani businesses or foreigners investing here." The minister of state also welcomed that "all political parties, especially religio-political parties, distanced themselves from this incident". "Some party's worker might have been present in his personal capacity, but no political party connected itself to this. In fact, religious and other political parties have distanced themselves," he added. Responding to a question, he said: "These [attackers] were interrogated after arrests, and I am saying this with full responsibility that no political or religious party of Pakistan was behind this in a coordinated manner. "No political or religious party announced any such event," Chaudhry added, thanking those parties for distancing themselves from the vandalism.
Khaleej Times
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
'KFC under attack': Pakistan police arrest 160 amid protests linking fast food chain to Gaza war
Around 160 people have been arrested after mobs carried out 20 separate attacks on KFC restaurants, with one employee shot dead, the government said on Saturday. The American-founded fast food chain has become a target of protest and boycott calls by Islamist parties since the start of the war in Gaza, linking the brand to US support for Israel. Crowds have protested outside KFC repeatedly this month, breaking windows, setting fires and threatening staff. "A total of 20 incidents occurred across Pakistan with one fatality reported. The man was a staff member at KFC," deputy interior minister Talal Chaudhry told a news conference on Saturday, describing KFC as "under attack". The KFC employee was shot dead at a branch on the outskirts of Lahore, the capital of Punjab province, on Sunday. A police official told AFP that it was unclear what the motive for the shooting was or whether it was linked to the recent protests. Chaudhry said that 145 people were arrested in Punjab province and 15 in the national capital Islamabad over the spate of attacks. "These restaurants source everything locally and employ Pakistani staff, and their earnings remain within the country," he said. A KFC restaurant in the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir was set on fire in March last year as protesters chanted "Free Palestine".
