The US and Canadian arms of Claire’s have already filed for bankruptcy protection and now the UK/Ireland arm is set to file for administration, with 2,150 jobs on the line.

The budget accessories and jewellery retailer has 278 UK stores and 28 Irish ones and they’ve been struggling in the same way as its North American branches (and those in other countries) have. Its UK and European businesses combined employ around 5,000 people.

The UK arm has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrator Interpath, which had already overseen the attempt to sell the UK and European business as a going concern. But it will continue to trade while all options are assessed as hopes of a solvent sale have been dashed.

That’s perhaps unsurprising given how tough times have been for the firm and anyo

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