Claire’s Accessories, in St Mary Street, sells affordable fashion jewellery, hair accessories, bags, beauty products and small gifts, and has long been a go-to stop for younger shoppers and families.
The brand’s bright, colourful store, often known simply as Claire’s, has been a familiar fixture on the high street for many years.
The chain fell into administration in January, just four months after the business was acquired in a rescue deal by private investment firm Modella Capital.
The move has prompted a wave of store closures as efforts to turn the business around have failed.
A spokesperson for Modella previously said: “We have worked intensively in an effort to save both businesses, having made last-ditch attempts to rescue them, but neither has a realistic possibility of trading profitably again. In these circumstances, administration is the only option.”
Reacting to the news, Dominique Manaserri, president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, said: “It’s always sad to see a familiar high street name like Claire’s closing its doors, as every business plays a role in the life and vibrancy of our town centres.
“Retail has faced significant challenges in recent years, from changing shopping habits to increasing operating costs, and many national chains are reassessing their presence on the high street.
“That said, Weymouth continues to show strong resilience thanks to its independent businesses, hospitality sector and the visitors who support our local economy. Moments like this also highlight the importance of continuing to support our town centre businesses wherever possible.”
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Dawn Rondeau‑Irvine, chief operations officer at We Are Weymouth, said: “It’s always disappointing to see a long‑standing high street name close, but this reflects the brand’s national administration rather than the strength of our town. Weymouth’s centre continues to evolve, with new openings like Primark boosting footfall and attractions such as Globalls on the way this month. As the BID, we remain focused on supporting businesses and keeping the town centre vibrant, attracting visitors and shoppers year-round, and whilst it’s always sad to lose a long-standing retailer such as Claire’s accessories, the town is still going strong.”
