The future of Claire’s, the high street retailer known for its wide range of jewellery and accessories, has been secured after the sale of the some of the retailer’s stores out of administration. The deal has secured around 1,000 jobs but does not include 150 stores.

This means that just under half of Claire’s UK 278 stores, of which 12 are in Wales, remain at risk of closure. There has been no confirmation as to which stores have been saved.

It’s understood that all stores will remain open while administrators assess the options for them.

Claire’s filed for administration in August to safeguard the “long-term value” of the business and its stakeholders while strategic options were reviewed.

On Monday joint administrators from Interpath confirmed a sale of “substantially most” of the company’s business and assets of Claire’s Accessories UK Ltd to Modella Capital, which recently became the owner of WH Smith’s high street business.

This included the sale of 156 of its 278 stores, preserving around 1,000 jobs. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter

Natasha Harbinson, managing director at Interpath who led the sales process, said: “Following an agreement between Modella Capital and Ames Watson in the US in relation to the Claire’s brand, we are pleased to confirm a sale of the majority of Claire’s UK business and assets which will ensure this popular brand will continue to trade on high streets up and down the UK.

“In addition, we are also pleased to have secured a sale of the Claire’s business in Switzerland. Discussions with other interested parties continue in relation to the Claire’s entities in France, Italy and Poland.”

A total of 145 stores are not included as part of the transaction. These stores will remain open and will continue to trade while the joint administrators continue to assess options for them.

It has not yet been confirmed which stores could still close. The business currently operates 12 stores in Wales at the following locations:

Will Wright, Interpath’s UK chief executive and joint administrator, added: “We’d like to express our sincere thanks to the thousands of Claire’s dedicated employees, as well as suppliers and other key stakeholders, who have supported us throughout the administration process.

“Our intention is to continue to trade the remaining portfolio of stores for as long as we can, while we explore the options available.”