California, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings, a leading jewelry and fashion accessories retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to over $690 million in debt. As part of its restructuring plan, the company will close 291 stores nationally, including 23 in California. Claire’s has partnered with private equity firm Ames Watson, which will acquire its North American operations for $140 million. Despite the closures, Claire’s aims to maintain operations for over 800 stores and preserve jobs during this challenging transition period.
California – Claire’s Holdings, the popular jewelry and fashion accessories retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company is grappling with over $690 million in debt. This bankruptcy filing was made in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware earlier this month. As part of its restructuring plan, Claire’s has announced the closure of 291 of its Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, including 23 locations within California.
In a strategic move to address its financial troubles, Claire’s has reached an agreement with private equity firm Ames Watson, which will acquire the company’s North American business operations. Ames Watson will maintain operations for the remaining 830 stores and will pay a total of $140 million for the business assets, which includes $104 million in cash and a $36 million seller note.
Despite the closures, Claire’s has paused liquidation in many of its stores while it continues to liquidate selected locations in North America. The decision to file for bankruptcy reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the company, including intensified competition, evolving consumer spending habits, and growing difficulties in the brick-and-mortar retail sector.
Store Closures in California
Among the 291 stores set for closure, specific California locations include:
- Oxnard, The Collection At Riverpark
- Emeryville, Bay Street
- Rancho Cordova, Rancho Cordova Town Center
- San Jose, Valley Fair Mall
- Newport Beach, Fashion Island
- Tustin, District At Tustin Legacy
- La Mesa, Grossmont Shopping Center
- City Of Commerce, Citadel Outlets
- El Centro, Imperial Valley Mall
- Citrus Heights, Sunrise Mall
- Tulare, Tulare Outlet Center
- Long Beach, The Pike Outlets
- Rancho Santa Margarita, Rancho Santa Margarita
- Lake Arrowhead, Lake Arrowhead Village
- Barstow, Barstow Outlet Center
- San Dimas, San Dimas Marketplace
- Murrieta, Murrieta Town Center
- Alameda, 863 Broadway
- Chula Vista, Gateway Marketplace
- Novato, Vintage Oaks
- Lakewood, Icing Lakewood Center
- Palmdale, Antelope Valley Mall
- Culver City, Culver City Mall
Sales and Gift Cards
Claire’s has initiated a 50% off store closing sale at select locations, aiming to clear inventory before the final closure dates. Sales for the closing locations are expected to conclude by September 7, 2025. Customers can also redeem gift cards and C. Club Rewards in specified stores until August 29, 2025.
Company Background
This is not the first time Claire’s has faced financial difficulties, as the company previously filed for bankruptcy in 2018. With operations spanning over 2,750 stores across 17 countries, including 190 Icing stores in North America, Claire’s holds a significant presence in the retail market. Currently, they have identified over 800 stores that will remain open amid the ongoing restructuring efforts. Claire’s aims to preserve jobs and continue operations with the help of their vendors and landlords during this reorganization.
Conclusion
The ongoing changes underscore the challenges facing traditional retail stores in an environment increasingly tilted towards online shopping and changing consumer behaviors. Claire’s decision to file for bankruptcy was a critical step in navigating these competitive pressures and realigning its business for future growth.
FAQ
What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a legal process that allows companies to restructure their debts while continuing their operations and attempting to return to profitability.
How many stores are being closed by Claire’s?
Claire’s plans to close 291 stores nationwide, with 23 of those located in California.
When will the store closing sales end?
The sales at the closing locations are expected to finish by September 7, 2025.
What is happening to gift cards and rewards programs?
Gift cards and C. Club Rewards can be redeemed at select stores until August 29, 2025.
What does Claire’s plan to do after filing for bankruptcy?
Claire’s plans to restructure its operations, preserve jobs, and continue operating more than 800 stores as it attempts to stabilize its business.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bankruptcy Type | Chapter 11 |
| Total Debt | $690 million |
| Stores Closing Nationwide | 291 |
| Stores Closing in California | 23 |
| Ames Watson Acquisition | $140 million |
| Remaining Stores | 830 |
| Final Sale Date | September 7, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Siskiyou Daily
- ABC10
- Fast Company
- Los Angeles Times
- King 5 News
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Google Scholar: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Claire’s
- Google News: Claire’s bankruptcy
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
