Only a small number of Claire’s accessories stores will remain open in Ireland following a recent filing for bankruptcy. 

Claire’s accessories, an international high-street chain known for its earrings, hairbands, and the ultimate accessories store for young girls, is closing its doors. The retail giant will have a reduced presence in local shopping districts, but several stores remain around the country. 

The company originally filed for bankruptcy in August 2025 and is now in its final stages of closing its doors, with sales of up to 20% and more off certain items. 

Investment firm ‘Modella Capital’ saved the company from bankruptcy.  However, many of Claire’s stores across the country are still facing closure, leaving the high streets with vacancies to fill, which may not seem enticing to buyers in the current economic climate. 

“Some of the other shops around town are closing, the ones in the Ilac shopping centre and Santry are closing, but we never had any intention to close,” said a sales assistant from the St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre branch, who did not wish to be identified. 

Some of the other Claire’s stores outside of Dublin, which will be closing, include branches in Limerick, Drogheda, and Mullingar. Counties such as Limerick will be left with zero Claire’s stores following their closure.  

According to the sales assistant at the St. Stephen’s Green branch,“We’re actually hiring for staff at the moment.” 

The St. Stephen’s Green branch, which remains up and running in the City Centre is of significant size and certainly will make up for the closure of their Ilac Shopping Centre branch. 

The appearance of the shop may indicate that they are closing due to huge reductions on items, but The City was told the sale is standard procedure at this time of year. Claire’s branches facing closure are clearly marked with ‘CLOSING DOWN SALE’ signs.  

Photo: Alison Gussago 

The closure of such a prominent high-street brand shows that regardless of popularity, retailers need to constantly be adapting to consumer demands to survive in this economy. With the influence of social media, young girls are no longer interested in the products that were popular among their age demographic 10 years ago. 

As seen from the picture above, Claire’s has had the same iconic purple branding for many years. However, is the target market looking for something more grown-up, like the products they see their favourite influencers and Tik Tokers using? 

The closure of the store is another representation of how the cost of living is affecting businesses in Ireland. Despite Modella Capital buying out several of Claire’s stores across the UK and Ireland, there is still a large number of people working in branches which are due to close down who did not have their job saved by the investment firm. 

With the closure of such a significant high-street chain leaving an empty space in the iconic Ilac Shopping Centre, there will be a challenge to fill the vacancy with a store that entices the public.