If you grew up or were a parent in the early 2000s, chances are a trip to Claire’s Accessories was a regular occurrence.

Claire’s was a neon-drenched, glitter-splattered treasure chest which sold an array of funky earrings, mood rings, scented lip glosses, colourful hair bands, bandanas and bags – all wildly overpriced yet completely irresistible.

So most Saturdays I would spend the bulk of my pocket money on bright pink nonsense that I adored for approximately 24 hours before moving on to the next thing.

It was chaotic, impractical and, in hindsight, probably a case study in overconsumption, but it was also joyful.

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That’s why the recent news that the remaining standalone Claire’s stores in the UK and Ireland have stopped trading after more than 30 years feels like more than just another retail casualty. It........

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