Tue, 27 Jan 2026 | ADMINISTRATION
The British operations of accessories retailer Claire’s have fallen into administration once more, just four months after the business was acquired in a rescue deal. The collapse was reportedly linked to a mounting tax burden and demands from landlords.
Philip Dakin, Benjamin Wiles and Janet Burt of Kroll Advisory were appointed as joint administrators of CAUKI Ltd on January 26 2026. Kroll Advisory said that the company would continue to trade while in administration.
Claire’s UK operations previously fell into administration in August 2025 following the collapse of US parent company Claire’s Holdings LLC amid decreased footfall, mounting debts and wider retail sector challenges.
At the time, the UK and Ireland operations encompassed 306 stores employing more than 2,150 people. Following the appointment of administrators from Interpath Advisory, 156 of Claire’s UK and Ireland stores and certain assets were acquired by retail investment boutique Modella Capital.
Modella Capital has emerged in recent years as a prominent buyer of struggling retail giants, acquiring chains including Hobbycraft, The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) and WH Smith, which has since been rebranded as TG Jones.
However, earlier this month, Modella Capital filed notices of intention to appoint administrators to Claire’s and TOFS. According to reports citing sources close to the situation, Claire’s future had been made unviable due to a mix of a significantly higher tax burden on the retail industry and demands from landlords to take back some of the chain’s stores.
It has been reported that there is significant scepticism among retail analysts that a buyer will be found for Claire’s 156 remaining stores in the UK and Ireland.
In the 53 weeks to February 3 2024, the chain’s former trading company, Claire’s Accessories UK Limited, reported turnover of around £137 million, down from slightly over £138 million in the year ending January 28 2023, while post-tax losses increased from £3.3 million to £4.7 million.
At the time, its fixed assets were valued at around £67.6 million and current assets at £47.5 million, with net assets amounting to approximately £3.8 million.
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