Claire’s at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham shuts

Accessories giant Claire’s has shut its latest Kent branch.

The jewellery and fashion shop closed its doors at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham at the end of last month.

Claire's is an American retailer primarily aimed at teenage girls with a glitter and bling theme.

It was founded in 1961 and is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

The latest closure at the shopping centre is believed to have happened on February 19.

It comes two years after the branch at Chatham’s Pentagon Centre shut in 2022.

Just months before this, a Canterbury location also closed its doors and was replaced by Chopstix noodle bar.

There is now one remaining location in Medway at Chatham Dockside.

A spokesperson for Hempstead Valley said: “We can confirm Claire’s lease has recently come to an end and the store has now permanently closed.”

Elsewhere, Claire’s branches remain in Ashford, Dartford, Maidstone, Folkestone, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Thanet.

Claire’s has been approached for comment.