California, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings, a leading jewelry retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time, burdened with $690 million in debt. The company plans to close 291 stores across the U.S., including 23 in California, as part of its restructuring strategy. In a deal with Ames Watson, a private equity firm, Claire’s will continue to operate 830 stores following these closures. The retailer aims to stabilize its finances amidst growing competition and changing consumer habits favoring online shopping.
California – Claire’s Holdings, a well-known jewelry and fashion accessories retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, burdened with $690 million in debt. The bankruptcy petition was submitted earlier this month in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court located in Delaware, marking the second time the company has sought bankruptcy protection following its prior filing in 2018.
As part of the restructuring process, Claire’s plans to close 291 stores across the United States, including 23 locations in California. These closures will contribute to a broader strategy to stabilize the company’s finances and ensure the longevity of its remaining operations. Claire’s currently operates over 2,750 stores in 17 countries and 190 Icing store locations in North America, with an identified 800 stores not set to close immediately.
Claire’s recently announced a deal with Ames Watson, a private equity firm, which will acquire its North American business operations. Under the agreement, Ames Watson is set to pay $104 million in cash and a $36 million seller note for the business assets, while continuing to operate the remaining 830 stores following the closure of selected locations.
Closure Details in California
The 23 stores scheduled for closure in California are:
- 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
As part of the store closure strategy, Claire’s has initiated a 50% off store closing sale at select locations. Additionally, customers can redeem gift cards and C. Club Rewards in select stores until August 29, 2025. All sales at the locations set for closure are expected to conclude by September 7, 2025.
Challenges Facing Claire’s
The CEO of Claire’s Holdings, Chris Cramer, stated that the decision to file for bankruptcy was a necessary measure in response to increased competition in the retail sector and changing consumer spending habits that favor online shopping over traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. In filing for bankruptcy, the company aims not only to stabilize its financial situation but also to preserve jobs and continue operations for numerous vendors and landlords.
The store closures come amidst a significant period of transition for the retail industry, as many traditional retailers navigate a landscape heavily influenced by e-commerce trends and shifting customer preferences. The retail sector has seen a wave of bankruptcies and closures over the past few years, and Claire’s latest move is indicative of these industry-wide challenges.
Conclusion
As Claire’s embarks on this critical restructuring process, the hopes are that the company will emerge more robust and better positioned to meet market demands while continuing to serve its loyal customer base.
FAQ
What led to Claire’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy primarily due to increased competition, changes in consumer spending trends, and a shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, accumulating $690 million in debt.
How many stores is Claire’s planning to close?
Claire’s plans to close 291 stores across the United States, including 23 locations in California.
When will the store closings be completed?
All sales at the closing locations are expected to conclude by September 7, 2025.
Key Features of Claire’s Bankruptcy Filing and Store Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Bankruptcy Filing | Chapter 11 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Delaware |
| Total Debt | $690 million |
| Number of Stores Closing | 291 stores nationwide, 23 in California |
| Remaining Stores | Over 800 stores not set to close immediately |
| New Ownership | Ames Watson, private equity firm |
| Cash Payment to Acquire | $104 million, plus a $36 million seller note |
| Sale Discounts | 50% off store closing sale |
| Gift Card Validity | Until August 29, 2025 in select stores |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Siskiyou Daily: Claire’s Closing California Stores
- ABC10: Claire’s Store Closings List 2025
- Fast Company: Claire’s Closing List
- Los Angeles Times: Claire’s Files for Second Bankruptcy
- AL.com: Claire’s Files for 2nd Bankruptcy
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy 2025
- Google Scholar: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Trade
- Google News: Claire’s bankruptcy store closures
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego 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 Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
