FASHION chain Claire’s is set to appoint administrators – with more than 2,000 jobs at risk across the UK amid fears over store closures.

News of the move by the UK and Ireland branch of the company, which has more than 300 shops across the country – including in Street, Taunton and Weston-Super-Mare – comes after its US parent company declared bankruptcy earlier this month.

The future of around 2,150 workers at Claire’s in the UK has not been confirmed, as financial firm Interpath is set to be appointed as the administrator overseeing the immediate future of the company – including any potential rescue deal.

Announcing the move in the US, chief executive of Claire’s, Chris Cramer, said: “This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders.

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“We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives.”

Stores in the US and Canada would continue to trade, he added.

In the UK, sales at Claire’s dropped by nearly 1% in the year to February 1, 2024, to £136 million – with the company making a pre-tax loss of £4m, which itself came after a £5m loss the year before.

Claire’s has Somerset stores at Clarks Village, in Street, as well as at the Orchard Centre in Taunton, and the Sovereign Centre in Weston.