NEARLY 1,500 staff may be fearing the risk of redundancy, with several of those in Limerick, following an announcement from high street chain Claire’s that it is being put into administration as “last-ditch” measures fail to reach a solution.
The chain, along with Original Factory Shop (TOFS), employs over 2,500 staff across its Irish and UK stores.
Limerick was once home to two Claire’s stores on Cruises Street in the city and the Crescent Shopping Centre in Dooradoyle.
The city store shut its doors last October as the retailer underwent restructuring and was bought by investment firm Modella Capital
The chain appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business after filing for bankruptcy in the US.
It bought more than 150 Claire’s shops at the time, but the remaining 145, including the store on Cruises Street, were not included in the deal.
At the time, Modella said it made the “tough decision” to kickstart insolvency proceedings for the businesses.
But now the future of the Dooradoyle store and its staff are uncertain.
Court records revealed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator was filed in relation to both chains at the beginning of this week.
The fashion accessories chain once formed an integral part of Limerick’s shopping experience, with many teenage girls getting their ears pierced there for the first time. Known as an ear piercing specialist, Claire’s has pierced over one million ears worldwide.
It was also home to the latest fashion trends, accessories, and all other types of jewellery for young people.