Modella Capital: Behind the Scenes of High Street Takeovers
As Claire's and The Original Factory Shop prepare to shut their doors for good, leaving 2,550 jobs at risk, a little-known investment firm has emerged as the unsung hero behind some of retail's most high-profile collapses. Modella Capital, founded by a group of restructuring professionals just four years ago, has quietly amassed an impressive portfolio of struggling retailers.
The firm's rapid-fire approach to turnaround strategies has earned it a reputation for ruthlessness, but also for its ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities in the market. Its most recent high-profile acquisition was Claire's Accessories UK & Ireland, which Modella took over just months before pulling the plug due to insurmountable losses.
While some have questioned the firm's expertise in trading businesses, its track record suggests a keen eye for identifying undervalued assets and extracting value through strategic restructuring. In August 2024, Modella successfully acquired Hobbycraft, a once-thriving arts and crafts retailer that has since been reduced to just a fraction of its original stores.
The company's chairman, Steve Curtis, a former executive at WH Smith and Boots, oversees the firm's dealings with several high-profile retailers, including Tie Rack and Feather & Black. Modella also relies on a mix of its own funding and backing from specialist lenders, such as Secure Trust Bank and Aurelius, to prop up its troubled charges.
Industry insiders point to the challenging retail landscape as the primary driver behind Modella's successes – or failures. With consumers increasingly turning away from high street brands in favor of online giants like Temu and Shein, retailers are facing unprecedented competition. The likes of Zara and H&M have also capitalized on this trend by launching their own jewelry lines targeting teenagers.
While Modella has gained notoriety for its hard-nosed approach to restructuring, some experts argue that the firm's true strength lies in its ability to navigate the complexities of retail turnaround strategies. As the company continues to explore new deals and consolidate its portfolio, one thing is clear: Modella Capital will be watching with interest as the retail landscape evolves over the coming year.
As Claire's and The Original Factory Shop prepare to shut their doors for good, leaving 2,550 jobs at risk, a little-known investment firm has emerged as the unsung hero behind some of retail's most high-profile collapses. Modella Capital, founded by a group of restructuring professionals just four years ago, has quietly amassed an impressive portfolio of struggling retailers.
The firm's rapid-fire approach to turnaround strategies has earned it a reputation for ruthlessness, but also for its ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities in the market. Its most recent high-profile acquisition was Claire's Accessories UK & Ireland, which Modella took over just months before pulling the plug due to insurmountable losses.
While some have questioned the firm's expertise in trading businesses, its track record suggests a keen eye for identifying undervalued assets and extracting value through strategic restructuring. In August 2024, Modella successfully acquired Hobbycraft, a once-thriving arts and crafts retailer that has since been reduced to just a fraction of its original stores.
The company's chairman, Steve Curtis, a former executive at WH Smith and Boots, oversees the firm's dealings with several high-profile retailers, including Tie Rack and Feather & Black. Modella also relies on a mix of its own funding and backing from specialist lenders, such as Secure Trust Bank and Aurelius, to prop up its troubled charges.
Industry insiders point to the challenging retail landscape as the primary driver behind Modella's successes – or failures. With consumers increasingly turning away from high street brands in favor of online giants like Temu and Shein, retailers are facing unprecedented competition. The likes of Zara and H&M have also capitalized on this trend by launching their own jewelry lines targeting teenagers.
While Modella has gained notoriety for its hard-nosed approach to restructuring, some experts argue that the firm's true strength lies in its ability to navigate the complexities of retail turnaround strategies. As the company continues to explore new deals and consolidate its portfolio, one thing is clear: Modella Capital will be watching with interest as the retail landscape evolves over the coming year.
you know what's wild about this whole thing? it's like, we're living in a world where retailers are constantly trying to adapt to these massive shifts in consumer behavior, but at what cost? they're either closing down or being taken over by firms like modella capital... and honestly, i think that says something about our society. we value convenience and low prices so much that we're willing to sacrifice the very fabric of our high streets 
. it's not just about the jobs and the businesses; it's about what kind of world we want to live in. are we gonna keep chasing after the latest trends, or are we gonna take a step back and rethink our priorities?
I'm low-key impressed by Modella's turnaround skills 
. I mean, who can pull off restructuring a business that was hemorrhaging cash 
. The fact that they can spot undervalued assets and extract value from them is no joke 
. Of course, you've got to wonder what's going on behind the scenes 
... like, who are these restructuring pros and how do they do it? 
Still, kudos to Modella for making a name for themselves in the retail world 
. Now, let's see if they can stay on top of their game 
. It's like a domino effect, where one store closes and another follows. I mean, what's happening to all those people who work in these stores? They're just trying to make ends meet, you know? And now they're facing uncertainty because of some investment firm's strategy. Modella Capital might be good at restructuring businesses, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's right for the workers. We need to think about the impact on our communities and the people who rely on these stores for their livelihoods 
just think about it, these companies are literally shutting down left and right and modella capital gets to swoop in and clean up the mess... meanwhile theyre like 'oh we helped them' 
meanwhile were stuck with a bunch of jobless ppl struggling to make ends meet.
. I think Modella Capital is doing what they need to do to stay ahead of the game, even if it means taking a few risks along the way 
anyway back to modella capital...i feel bad for all those ppl losing their jobs but at the same time i heard some retailers r doing super well online now, like online-only brands r killing it 
. It's like, what happened to those good old days? I mean, I know times change and all that, but it still feels like a shame.
.
. Now it feels like Modella Capital is just buying up struggling stores and trying to make a quick buck 
. They've had some big successes with Hobbycraft & Tie Rack, but we'll see what happens next for them 
... the retail game is so crazy right now, and Modella's definitely riding the wave 
! 
. Modella Capital just makes itself rich off failing retailers, while innocent people lose their jobs 
. Those Claire's and Original Factory Shop stores were more than just businesses - they were communities for people to hang out and find deals 
. Now they're just a memory... or a bankruptcy court file 
. And the best part? This firm is always on the lookout for its next big score, no matter who suffers in the process 
. Mark my words, someone's gonna get hurt when Modella comes calling again 