Hundreds of jobs at risk as retailer considers raft of store closures

Accessories chain Claire’s is reported to be considering closing some of its UK stores in a move which would put hundreds of jobs at risk.

The High Street chain, which has its head office in Erdington, was talking to restructuring firms about “a number of options”.

The chain has more than 370 stores in the UK, according to its most recent accounts.

There are 15 branches across Greater Manchester and Cheshire alone including: Manchester Arndale, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Stockport, Cheetham Hill, Salford Quays, Trafford Centre, Manchester Airport, Altrincham, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale and Macclesfield.

A spokeswoman for Claire’s said closing underperforming stores was “part of normal business practice”.

According to the Press Association, one rescue plan being considered is a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) where some stores are closed and rents are reduced on remaining stores.

Claire’s is the latest retailer to be hit by the tough trading conditions, which have led to the collapse of Maplin and Toys R Us.

House of Fraser fell into administration before being bought by Sports Direct, while stores such as Debenhams, New Look and Homebase have had to close outlets in an attempt to remain profitable.

The news comes days after Claire’s US parent company emerged from bankruptcy protection.

The bankruptcy protection procedure in the US – known as Chapter 11 – is aimed at giving companies time to restructure their finances.

Group chief executive Ron Marshall said the firm was now “a healthier, more profitable company”.

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