Jobs hope over rescue bid for high street name

Claire's buyer in talks to save stores

- BY GRAHAM HISCOTT Head of Business

AROUND 1,000 workers at fashion accessory chain Claire's face an anxious wait over their jobs after around half of its UK stores were bought out of administration.

Modella Capital, which took over WH Smith's high street arm, is acquiring 156 Claire's stores in the UK and Ireland and says it hopes to rescue the brand.

It added: 'Although it is inevitable that this acquisition will result in some store closures and job losses, this intervention offers the potential to save over 1,000 jobs in the UK and Ireland that would otherwise be lost.'

Modella will begin talks with store landlords before deciding which of the 156 stores can remain open.