Almost 1,000 Claire’s jobs at risk despite rescue deal

Core Viewpoint - Claire's Accessories is facing significant challenges, with thousands of jobs at risk following the sale of half of its stores to Modella Capital, as the company struggles with high debts and declining sales [1][4]. Group 1: Store Sales and Employment Impact - Administrators at Interpath sold 156 out of 301 stores in the UK and Ireland to Modella Capital, which has the potential to save over 1,000 jobs [1][2]. - The closure of the remaining 145 stores puts an additional 1,000 staff at risk of redundancy [3]. Group 2: Financial Struggles - Claire's has recorded £25 million in losses over the last three years, exacerbated by high debts and slow trading [4]. - The company is under pressure to manage a $480 million (£355 million) loan that is due by December 2026 [7]. Group 3: Future of Acquired Stores - Modella has not yet decided which of the acquired 156 stores will remain open, pending negotiations with landlords [5][6]. - The acquisition is expected to lead to some store closures and job losses, with uncertainty for staff regarding their store's future [6].