Latest news with #BowStreetMall
Belfast Telegraph
3 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Jobs at risk at 11 Claire's stores in Northern Ireland as company faces administration
The US parent firm for the high street retailer said it has filed a formal notice to administrators from advisory firm Interpath. The business has stores in shopping centres all around Northern Ireland, including Belfast's Victoria Square, Bow Street Mall in Lisburn and Erneside Shopping Centre in Enniskillen. The move will raise fears over the future of its 306 stores, with 278 of these in the UK and 28 Ireland. It's estimated around seven people work in each store. 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. Claire's UK stores will remain open as usual and store staff will stay in their positions once administrators are appointed, the company said. Will 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.' It 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. Chris Cramer, chief executive of Claire's, 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.' Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'Claire's attraction has waned, with its high street stores failing to pull in the business they used to. 'While they may still be a beacon for younger girls, families aren't heading out on so many shopping trips, with footfall in retail centres falling. 'The chain is now faced with stiff competition from TikTok and Insta shops, and by cheap accessories sold by fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu.'
Sunday World
22-04-2025
- Sunday World
Shoplifting mum given jail term and daughter warned to pay restitution
A plea and sentencing hearing for 54-year-old Eileen Singh and her daughter Shannon Wilson (29) was previously adjourned to allow them time to gather restitution The defendants, from Marchioness Street in Belfast, admitted theft from B&M Bargains at Bow Street Mall in the city on December 3 last year A mum and daughter who stole £1,300 of Christmas shopping have made no repayments, a court has been told. A plea and sentencing hearing for 54-year-old Eileen Singh and her daughter Shannon Wilson (29) was previously adjourned to allow them time to gather restitution. Appearing at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday, defence counsel Peter Coiley said he was empty-handed. District Judge Rosie Watters replied: 'Oh dear. They haven't exactly covered themselves in glory. No money — not even a pound — and they have behaved so badly.' The defendants, from Marchioness Street in Belfast, admitted theft from B&M Bargains at Bow Street Mall in the city on December 3 last year. Singh admitted stealing £300 of toys, and her daughter admitted taking £1,000 of 'perfume, toys, Lego and other household items'. Mr Coiley accepted the thefts were committed in the run-up to Christmas. He said Singh had no money to make repayments because she had moved home and had to decorate. He claimed the high cost of living meant Wilson was not in a position to make restitution. The judge said the pair 'went out to do Christmas shopping for the kids without taking any money with them, and they thought they would get away with it'. She told Singh: 'You have a terrible record for shoplifting, and it looks to me as if that's just what you do. 'I have no alternative but to impose an immediate custodial sentence of eight months.' Singh was also handed a £25 offender levy and ordered to pay £200 restitution. Turning to Wilson, who was protesting at her mother being taken to the cells, Judge Watters said it was 'amazing' she had a clear record 'considering what your mother is'. In addition to a 240-hour community service order, the judge told her she would have to pay back £600. She also warned Wilson that if she failed to complete the order or committed further offences, 'you will be brought back here and dealt with differently'. Singh was freed on bail pending an appeal of the sentence. She was banned from entering any branch of B&M Bargains in the meantime.
