Oxfordshire stores left empty as Claire’s closes with 1,300 jobs lost

Administrators for the fashion accessories chain said that around 1,300 workers will be made redundant as a result.

The move does not affect the retailer’s 356 concessions, including many in Asda stores, and its head office.

It comes after private equity owner Modella Capital hired Kroll to oversee the administration earlier this year.

READ MORE: Huge UK brand collapses leaving Oxford Westgate store empty

A spokesman for Kroll said: “As of April 27, all Claire’s standalone stores in the UK and Ireland have ceased trading.

“All store employees have been advised of redundancy.

“We understand an interested party is in discussion with a number of landlords with a view to taking new leases for some of the sites.”

Three of the casualties came in Oxfordshire, with the Didcot and Witney branches closing alongside the Oxford Westgate store.

READ MORE: UK fashion giants’ stock vanishes as stores close amid administration

Last year, two stores in Banbury, at the Castle Quay Shopping Centre and Banbury Gateway Shopping Park, also permanently shut.

It was confirmed last week (Friday, April 24) that the Claire’s store at the city’s shopping centre would be closing its doors for good over the weekend.

Having had yellow sale signs up for weeks at the shop on the middle floor of the retail location, there were new signs, which stated that only two days remained.

The high street chain was put into administration back in January 2026 alongside The Original Factory Shop (TOFS).