GENERATIONS of customers have spoken of their sadness as a big name fashion chain enters its final week of trading after the business went into administration.
Claire’s at Unit 3B in Chapel Walk, Worcester, is due to close this Saturday (April 18) after more than a quarter of a century serving generations of young women and girls.
Many of the shelves had already been stripped bare as customers picked up deals of 70 per cent off during the closing down sale.
The shop, which has been in the shopping centre formerly known as Crowngate since 1999, is known for selling jewellery, accessories, and ear piercing services, primarily aimed at children, tweens, and teen girls.
The business is no longer able to offer its popular piercing service.
FAREWELL: The handwritten note inside the window at Claire’s in Chapel Walk in Worcester (Image: Newsquest)
Insolvency practitioners from Kroll were appointed on Monday, January 26, just months after Modella Capital bought more than 150 Claire’s stores in an attempt to rescue the business.
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Nicola Gibbons, 40, of Worcester, said: “It’s sad to see it go. I remember shopping there when I was a teenager, and I now have two little girls aged four and seven who love it.”
Two staff members did not want to be named but said sales had been good and they had received ‘many remarks saying how sorry they are to see we’re closing’.
One mum of two girls, aged seven and 10, said: “It’s disappointing, especially with two young girls.
“There’s not anywhere else that does stuff like this which is so reasonably priced.”
Chapel Walk has paid tribute to the store, which has been in the shopping centre for more than 26 years, thanking its staff for their dedication.
“Chapel Walk would like to thank Claire’s for being a valued part of our shopping centre community since 1999,” a spokesperson for the shopping centre said.
“We are sorry to hear the news that Claire’s has entered administration and will be leaving Chapel Walk.
“Claire’s has been a much-loved retailer, well known for its jewellery, accessories and popular ear-piercing service, and for being a first fashion stop for so many young people across Worcester.”