Claire's Accessories in Wellingborough cleared out after brand announced full-scale closures marking yet another shop leaving Swansgate Centre

Claire’s Accessories announced it would close all of its 154 stores in the UK this week, with the Wellingborough shop among those set to be wiped from the High Street.

Administrators Kroll announced the closure of all stores in the UK on Monday (April 27).

A spokesman said: “As of April 27, all Claire’s standalone stores in UK and Ireland have ceased trading.

“All store employees have been advised of redundancy.

“We understand an interested party is in discussion with a number of landlords with a view to taking new leases for some of the sites.”

Claire’s Accessories’ UK branch was purchased by Modella Capital after going into administration in 2025, the same company which bought WHSmith and later rebranded it to TGJones in 2025.

The store stocked novelty jewellery, toys and accessories aimed predominantly at young women.

The loss of Claire’s follows the announced departure of Clintons Cards, which currently has signs up announcing its closure in its Swansgate unit, alongside a 20 per cent sale.

Swansgate Centre has seen frequent turnaround in its offerings in recent years as shopper habits change and evolve. The upcoming closure of Clintons Cards would make a total of 12 vacant units in the Swansgate Centre, the same number as 2024’s findings and four more than in 2023.

While businesses such as Cossets Pets and Hays Travel have found early success in the centre, others have struggled.

The opening and subsequent closure of Go Play Kids and Sarah’s Sweet Tooth in Cheese Lane meant the pair of local businesses had a short life in the town centre, and the departure of familiar brands such as Bodycare and Select Fashion last year alone marks a downturn in offerings from nationally-known brands at Wellingborough’s indoor centre.