More than 2,150 jobs are at risk after the UK business of struggling jewellery chain Claire's called in administrators.
Insolvency practitioners Interpath said on Wednesday they had been appointed joint administrators to Claire’s Accessories UK Ltd, the operator of Claire's 306 stores across the UK and Ireland.
The move comes a week after its parent filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States.
Headquartered in Birmingham, central England, Claire's is known for its trend-led accessories and as a destination for ear piercing.
The administrators said they intend to continue to trade the business while they assess its options, including exploring the possibility of a sale as a going concern.
As such, all UK and Ireland stores will remain open. However, customers will no longer be able to place orders online.
“Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to continue to operate all stores as a going concern for as long as we can, while we assess options for the Company," Will Wright, Interpath's UK CEO, said.
"This includes exploring the possibility of a sale which would secure a future for this well-loved brand."
