As of April 27, all 154 standalone Claire’s stores in the UK and Ireland have ceased trading. A spokesman from Kroll confirmed this development.

The company faced challenges from online retailers like Amazon and TikTok, which significantly impacted sales. Claire’s entered administration in January 2026 after struggling to compete.

When the company collapsed, it had around 1,300 jobs lost overall. The closures include locations in Essex such as Braintree, Chelmsford, and Romford.

Despite these closures, Claire’s still operates 356 concession outlets within Asda stores. These outlets remain unaffected by the recent shutdowns.

The UK arm of Claire’s has paused its website, preventing customers from purchasing products online. This decision adds to the uncertainty surrounding the brand’s future in the UK.

All store employees have been advised of redundancy. They face an uncertain future as they seek new employment opportunities.

Kroll noted that an interested party is discussing new leases for some of the sites. However, no further details about these discussions have been disclosed.

Founded in Chicago in 1961, Claire’s entered the UK market in 1996. It quickly became known for its fashion accessories aimed at young consumers.

The future of the Claire’s brand in the UK is unclear as it navigates these significant changes. Observers are watching closely to see how this impacts the broader retail landscape.

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The question of whether B&Q is open on Easter Sunday has been clarified: B&Q will be closed on this day. This closure aligns with legal mandates that require large stores in England and Wales to shut their doors on Easter Sunday.

According to UK law, shops that are smaller than 280 square meters have the option to choose their own opening hours on Easter Sunday. However, B&Q, being a larger retail chain, is subject to these restrictions and will not operate on the holiday.

In addition to B&Q, several other retailers, including Wickes, Dunelm, Home Bargains, B&M, and The Range, will also remain closed on Easter Sunday. This collective closure allows retail workers to have a day off to celebrate the holiday.

Easter Sunday is recognized as a bank holiday in the UK, further contributing to the decision for many stores to close. The closures are intended to provide employees with time to spend with family and friends during this significant holiday.

For those looking to shop at B&Q, the store will reopen on Easter Monday, resuming normal business hours. Customers are encouraged to plan their shopping accordingly, as many other retailers will also be operating on Easter Monday.

As the holiday approaches, shoppers are reminded to check the opening hours of their local stores, especially since many retailers may have varying schedules during the Easter period.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any special promotions or events that may be held at B&Q following the Easter holiday. Customers interested in home improvement projects should stay tuned for updates from the retailer.

In summary, B&Q will not be open on Easter Sunday due to legal requirements, but will welcome customers back on Easter Monday. This closure is part of a broader trend among large retailers in the UK during the Easter holiday.

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