RETAIL chain CLAIRE’s has struck a deal to sell 156 of its UK and Ireland stores to investment firm Modella Capital, just weeks after entering administration.
The move offers a lifeline for the accessories brand but there is still uncertainty over 145 other stores and 1,000 staff.
Administrators at Interpath confirmed the sale, with about 1,000 staff transferring to Modella.
The deal ensures the survival of much of Claire’s British business, safeguarding its presence in town centres.
Interpath said it would keep the remaining stores open “for as long as we can” while it assessed options.
Interpath boss Natasha Harbinson said: “Following an agreement between Modella Capital and Ames Watson in the US, we are pleased to confirm a sale of the majority of Claire’s UK business and assets.”
The chain appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business after filing for bankruptcy in the US.
Modella has become a significant force in the UK retail industry, having bought newsagent WH Smith’s high street chain earlier this year and taking over arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft last year.
The WH Smith high street arm, which excludes those in travel locations, are in the process of being rebranded as TG Jones.
POST Office branches are being lined up to offer services such as pharmacy prescription collection, digital ID and small business advice.
The company outlined a series of measures to grow its revenue streams, as it urges the Government to protect its 11,500-branch network and consider tax breaks for those which are struggling.
Boss Neil Brocklehurst said: “The Post Office has been part of the everyday fabric of British life for almost 400 years.
“But like any modern retailer, we must evolve to meet customer demand.”
PHARMACEUTICAL giant Astazenecca has announced plans to list its shares directly on the New York Stock Exchange.
Its listing in NY from February will replace its trading via American depositary receipts.
The move aims to attract a broader range of global investors but will not affect its UK HQ in Cambridge or primary London listing.
Shareholders will vote on the planned changes at a general meeting in November.
DAME Emma Walmsley is stepping down as chief executive of GSK after eight years.
She became the first woman to lead a major pharmaceutical company in 2017.
Chief commercial officer Luke Miels will take on the full responsibilities of the top job from the start of next year.
Dame Emma said she was looking forward to “cheering GSK’s future success as I begin my own new adventures”.
THIS is the moment a shoplifter dressed in pyjamas strolls out of a H&M clothes store carrying £400 worth of clothes with her pals.
The brazen daylight raid is understood to have happened on Liverpool Road in Angel, Islington, on Friday.
Stunned shoppers watched on as the three thieves made their way out of the store with their stolen goods.
The shoplifters struck just 200m from a police station.
Video footage of the crime shows the shoplifter carrying a bundle of stolen clobber out the door, unbothered by the number of witnesses.
A group of three women appear to be working together to rob the store.
All three grabbed a number of items of clothing from inside the H&M and marched out the door.
Despite being followed and filmed the shoplifters carried on with their daylight robbery.
Several members of the public step in to shout at the pyjama clad shoplifters as they disappear down the street.
Video footage from after the thieves made their escape from the high street store shows their confrontation with the law.
Officers from the Met Police appear to have detained and searched the shoplifters at a nearby bus stop.
At least two officers responded to the incident and were seen confronting the women.
Items of clothing and plastic bags full of clothes are strewn across the floor of the bus stop as cops talk with one of the women.
It remains unclear if the police managed to get all the stolen goods back or not.
It has not been confirmed if any of the women were arrested in connection with the incident.
The Sun has contacted the Met Police for comment.
For today’s UK49s Lunchtime draw, the hot numbers to watch are 2, 6, 16, 41, 44, 45. These numbers have shown frequent appearances in recent draws, making them noteworthy contenders for today’s results. Hot Numbers Last Drawn Date Number 2 27 September 2025 Number 6 28 September 2025 Number 16 28 September 2025 Keep an […]
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