Major High-Street Brand Set to Close Three Essex Stores - Including One in Braintree
Another blow to our already struggling high streets.
A major chain with stores all over the UK has confirmed it will shut three Essex locations and one of them sits right in the heart of Braintree town centre.
For now, the company hasn’t plastered posters over windows or made a big public announcement… but the paperwork is done, the list is final, and the closures are coming.
Here’s what we can confirm 👇
And the mystery brand behind these closures?
➡️ Claire’s Accessories.
Yes, the same Claire’s that’s been piercing ears, selling scrunchies, sparkles and teen fashion for decades.
❗ The Three Essex Stores Closing
📍 Basildon – Eastgate Centre
📍 Brentwood – The Baytree Centre
📍 Braintree – George’s Yard
🛑 What’s Actually Happened?
Claire’s parent company fell into administration earlier this year.
A rescue deal saved just over half of their UK stores……but 145 shops didn’t make the cut, including our Braintree branch.
More than 1,000 jobs are now at risk across the UK.
🏬 What This Means for Braintree
Braintree’s George’s Yard has already struggled with turnover, empty units and slow footfall and now another long-standing shop is about to vanish.
One local shopper told us:
“Every time I walk into town, something else has disappeared."
Another said:
“George’s Yard used to be full of life. Now it’s like a different place every month.”
And many blamed online retail:
“You can get everything cheaper online. The high street never stood a chance.”
📉 Why Are These Stores Closing?
Claire’s CEO said the same thing many other big brands are saying:
tougher competition
changing shopping habits
lower consumer spending
high costs for physical stores
and the ongoing shift to online-only shopping
This story isn’t just about Claire’s.
It’s part of a much bigger trend affecting every high street, Braintree included.
💬 Community Question
Do YOU think Braintree’s high street can bounce back…or are we heading towards a future of empty shops?
Drop your thoughts below 👇
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