Fashion accessory chain Claire’s has gone into administration.
The brand has 278 shops in the UK – including in Kendal, Carlisle and Workington – and employs around 2,100 people.
It said all shops will continue to trade as it considers its future. Options include selling the business to a new operator.
It is understood that prospective bidders for Claire’s British arm, including Lakeland owner Hilco Capital, backed away from making offers in recent weeks as the scale of the chain’s challenges became clear.
The company will no longer issue refunds or take online orders.
It will also not deliver orders which have not yet shipped, but said customers were only charged on dispatch of items.
It filed for bankruptcy in the US earlier this month, where the firm said it was suffering from people moving towards online shopping. The firm has £508 million-worth of debt.
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.”
The Carlisle branch of Claire’s is in the Lanes, Workington’s is part of the Washington Square scheme and Kendal’s store is in Elephant Yard.
