Westgate Oxford store left empty after sudden shock closure

Claire’s closed all three of its Oxfordshire stores at the end of last month, with all 154 UK and Ireland stores shutting.

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.

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The empty Claire’s store at Westgate Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

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

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.”

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Claire’s closed at the end of April. (Image: Newsquest)

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

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

The Claire’s store at the city’s shopping centre now stands completely empty with only the main purple and white signage remaining.

Having previously had yellow sale signs up for weeks, there is now nothing in the windows as the unit stands barren following the sudden closure.

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