Overview

• Claire’s Accessories, which operates over 2,000 stores across North America and Europe, is exploring sale options that would include its 281 UK outlets.
• Houlihan Lokey has been hired to pitch part or all of the jewellery retailer to potential buyers, though no transaction is certain.
• The chain is under pressure from a $500 million loan maturing in December 2026 and has deferred interest payments to preserve liquidity.
• Financial consultants point to rising US import tariffs and fierce online competition as key drivers of the strategic review.
• The move echoes distress across British retail, where chains such as River Island, Poundland and WHSmith have announced closures as forecasts predict tens of thousands of shop shutdowns in 2025.