California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings LLC is set to close over 290 retail locations across the U.S., including 25 in California, following its recent bankruptcy and sale. This strategic move, influenced by competition and financial challenges, will see most closures finalized by September 2025. While approximately 830 stores will remain operational, the company continues to face significant debt and decreasing brick-and-mortar viability.
California is set to witness significant retail changes as Claire’s Holdings LLC has announced plans to close over 290 store locations following its recent bankruptcy and subsequent sale to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million. The closures are part of a strategic move to reposition the struggling jewelry retailer amid ongoing financial challenges.
The closures will affect both Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, with most being shut down by a deadline of September 7, 2025. A court document filed on August 25 outlines that 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing locations are slated for closure. Despite the shutdowns, approximately 830 stores, including 785 Claire’s locations and 45 Icing stores, will remain open for the foreseeable future.
The states with the highest number of closures include California with 25 stores, followed by New York with 18, Illinois with 16, and Pennsylvania also with 16 locations affected. Earlier warnings from Claire’s had indicated the possibility of closing over 1,100 stores if a buyer could not be found, emphasizing the precarious situation of the company.
Claire’s first filed for bankruptcy in March 2018, citing ongoing struggles in the retail environment. Founded in 1961 as a wig store, Claire’s expanded into jewelry and ear piercing by 1978 and has since provided ear-piercing services to over 100 million customers. At its peak, the chain operated more than 2,300 retail locations across 17 countries, with significant placements in Walmart and in mall kiosks.
The leadership at Claire’s has attributed the store closures to increased competition, shifting consumer spending behaviors, and a broader trend of diminishing brick-and-mortar retail. The current debt situation for the company stands at approximately $500 million, which is scheduled to mature by December 2025. The decision to close stores has been characterized as difficult but essential for financial realignment.
Since emerging from its first bankruptcy in December 2018, Claire’s worked to eliminate nearly $1.9 billion in debt. After achieving profitability and planning for an initial public offering (IPO) in 2021, the company postponed its IPO and faced renewed financial difficulties in 2023, resulting in a second bankruptcy filing on August 6, 2025. This later filing cited challenges such as tariffs, rising interest rates, and evolving consumer preferences as significant contributing factors.
Historically, Claire’s stores have been a mainstay in American shopping malls, with locations present in approximately 99% of major shopping centers. As the company explores further strategic alternatives, discussions are ongoing with potential financial partners to stabilize and perhaps transform the future outlook of the brand.
FAQ
What is the reason for Claire’s store closures?
The closures are part of Claire’s strategy following bankruptcy and the sale to Ames Watson, attributed to increased competition, consumer behavior shifts, and debt challenges.
How many stores is Claire’s closing?
Over 290 stores, including 235 Claire’s locations and 56 Icing locations, will shut down primarily by early September 2025.
What financial situation is Claire’s currently in?
Claire’s has approximately $500 million in debt that must be repaid by December 2025, following its second bankruptcy filing in August 2023.
Which states will be most affected by the closures?
The states with the most closures include California, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
What was Claire’s originally founded as?
Claire’s was founded in 1961 as a wig store and later expanded into jewelry and ear-piercing services.
How many stores does Claire’s currently operate?
Currently, Claire’s operates approximately 830 stores, including those that will remain open after the upcoming closures.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Store Closures | Over 290 locations will close, including Claire’s and Icing stores. |
| Bankruptcy | Claire’s filed for bankruptcy for the second time on August 6, 2025. |
| Financial Debt | Claire’s has $500 million in debt due by December 2025. |
| Affected States | California, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania will see the most closures. |
| Founded | Founded in 1961 as a wig store, expanding into jewelry in 1978. |
| Current Stores | Approximately 830 stores will remain operational after closures. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- FOX LA: Claire’s Bankruptcy and California Store Closures
- AL.com: Claire’s Files for Second Bankruptcy
- Business Insider: Claire’s Bankruptcy Again
- Bloomberg: Claire’s Second Bankruptcy Amid Trinket Boom
- WWD: Claire’s Acquisition by Ames Watson
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- Google Search: Claire’s Bankruptcy
- Google Scholar: Claire’s Retail Struggles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Industry
- Google News: Claire’s Closures
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.
