Bullring's Claire's Accessories Store to Shut After 23 Years
A well-known retailer in Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre is preparing to close its doors permanently after more than two decades in business. The Claire's Accessories store, located on the lower ground floor, has launched a closing down sale as it heads towards its final shutdown this year.
Administration and Wider Store Closures
The closure comes after Claire's entered administration on January 26, 2026, marking the brand's second insolvency event in less than six months. This move is part of a broader trend affecting multiple locations, including the Claire's store on New Street and the Sutton Coldfield branch, with other sites like Merry Hill also impacted.
Both Claire's and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) are being put into administration, putting over 2,500 jobs at risk across the UK and Ireland. Specifically, 1,355 employees at 154 Claire's shops and 1,220 staff at 140 TOFS outlets face uncertainty due to these developments.
Owner's Decision and Previous Efforts
The owner of the retailers, Modella Capital, stated that "last-ditch" measures to rescue these high-street favourites had failed last year. Although Modella Capital stepped in previously to restructure the brands amid fears over their future, the investment firm has now made the "tough decision" to initiate insolvency proceedings.
This closure highlights ongoing challenges in the retail sector, particularly for long-standing stores in popular shopping destinations like the Bullring. The shutting down sale offers customers a final chance to purchase items before the store ceases operations, marking the end of an era for Claire's in Birmingham.
