Signs announcing a 'Store Closing Down' sale have been prominently displayed at the Claire's Accessories branch in Sutton Coldfield, delivering another significant blow to the town's retail heart. This development follows the confirmation that CAUKI Limited, the company operating Claire's Accessories across the UK and Ireland, has formally entered into administration.
Administration Appointment and Immediate Impact
Joint administrators from Kroll Advisory Ltd were appointed to oversee CAUKI Limited on Tuesday, 26th January 2026. The Sutton Coldfield store, located on the Parade side of the Gracechurch Centre, has responded by posting official notices in its windows and initiating a closing down sale with discounts of 30 per cent. A company spokeswoman confirmed that the business continues to trade during this uncertain period while the administration process unfolds.
Consumer Warnings and Purchase Conditions
The administration notice displayed in the store window carries important cautions for shoppers. It clearly states that goods purchased before the administrators' appointment cannot be refunded or exchanged, though customers may register an unsecured claim for defective items. For sales made after the appointment, defective goods may only be exchanged within 30 days with original receipt, with no refunds or exchanges for other reasons permitted. Furthermore, gift vouchers are neither being sold nor accepted as payment, though statutory rights remain unaffected.
Broader Context of Retail Challenges
This marks the second administration for the Claire's chain in recent months. The business was previously rescued in September 2025 when Modella Capital acquired 156 stores, preserving approximately 1,000 jobs after the parent company, Claire's Holdings LLC, filed for bankruptcy in the United States. The current administration places those same stores and employees at renewed risk, compounding the difficulties facing Sutton Coldfield's retail sector.
Sutton Coldfield's Changing Retail Landscape
A potential closure of Claire's Accessories would represent the third major departure from the Gracechurch Centre in early 2026, following the exits of River Island and JD Sports. This news coincides with the sudden closure of the Sutton Coldfield Market Village on South Parade, where traders were given mere hours to vacate their premises. These consecutive setbacks highlight the ongoing challenges confronting traditional high street retail in the area.
Future Prospects and Redevelopment Plans
Despite these closures, there are positive developments on the horizon for the Gracechurch Centre. The Australian department store Harvey Norman is scheduled to open during the first half of the year, with preparatory work already underway. Additionally, a proposal for a new padel court facility on the centre's car park roof is currently progressing through the planning stages with Birmingham City Council, indicating potential diversification of the centre's offerings.
When questioned about the store's definitive closing date, a staff member indicated that the situation remains fluid, noting that the business could potentially be purchased during the administration process. However, she emphasised the ongoing discount offer, suggesting that stock clearance is actively proceeding while the future of the Sutton Coldfield branch hangs in the balance.
