Accessories chain closes store in Eastbourne shopping centre
High street accessories chain Claire's has closed its store in Eastbourne.
This has reportedly resulted in the loss of around 1,300 jobs, as the business continues to struggle financially.
The company’s US arm has also faced ongoing difficulties, having filed for bankruptcy for a second time in 2025.
In Sussex, the final remaining stores to close were in Crawley and Eastbourne in The Beacon. Earlier closures in the county included branches in Worthing; Horsham; Chichester; Bognor Regis; Brighton; Haywards Heath and Hove.
Richard Hunt, director at Liquidation Centre, said: “The current economic climate poses increasing risks to businesses, especially those in the retail sector. It is much easier to lose customers than to retain them, which is why regular market research and competitor analysis are so essential. Staying ahead of the curve as conditions evolve is critical to long-term survival.
“As we’ve seen from Claire’s, the company seemed to fail to move with the evolving retail landscape. Their product offerings gradually fell out of fashion, with many young people turning to social media or online shopping to look for jewellery and accessories. Consumer tastes were shifting rapidly, yet Claire’s products didn’t cater to this change. Their brand image became more ‘dated’ as time moved on, further weakening its appeal in a highly competitive and fast-moving market.”
Mr Hunt said the ‘broader context of the high street matters too’.
“The UK retail sector has been hit hard by rising rents, increasing business rates, and declining foot traffic,” he said.
"Claire’s was particularly vulnerable because it relied on physical stores in shopping centres and depended more heavily on impulse buys, which are rarer today with the rise of online shopping. This failure to adapt ultimately put financial strain on the business, as its model became increasingly vulnerable.
“Poor financial management and decisions have contributed to the downfall of several once-iconic household brands, proving how crucial it is to have effective financial strategies and management in place."