California, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s has announced the closure of approximately 300 stores across the U.S. as part of its second bankruptcy filing. Increased competition, changing consumer habits, and a significant debt burden, including a $500 million loan due by December 2023, have prompted this decision. The closures will impact 25 stores in California and are expected to be completed by September 7, 2025, as the company navigates its financial challenges and explores strategies for a potential rebound in the retail sector.
California – The teen accessory retailer Claire’s has announced the closure of nearly 300 stores across the United States as part of its second bankruptcy filing, which was submitted earlier this month. The move comes as part of the company’s effort to restructure and manage its significant debt amid unprecedented challenges facing the retail sector.
CEO Chris Cramer attributed the store closures to a variety of factors, including increased competition from online retailers, shifting consumer spending habits, and an overarching decline in brick-and-mortar retail. The company is grappling with a debt load that includes a $500 million loan that is due by December 2023, heightening the urgency of its need to downsize.
The planned closures encompass a total of 291 locations nationwide, with 25 stores specifically in California. Some of the affected cities include Barstow, Buena Park, Chula Vista, Citrus Heights, City of Commerce, El Centro, Emeryville, Lake Arrowhead, La Mesa, Long Beach, Murrieta, Newport Beach, Novato, Oxnard, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Santa Margarita, Sacramento, San Dimas, San Jose, Tulare, and Tustin. Additionally, 56 Icing stores, Claire’s sister brand, will also close, including sites in Culver City, Lakewood, and Palmdale.
A liquidation sale recently took place at the Emeryville location, where discounts ranged from 70-80% off merchandise. Most stores are expected to continue selling products until they officially shut down, which is projected to be wrapped up by September 7, 2025.
Background on Claire’s
Founded in 1961 as a wig store, Claire’s shifted its focus to accessories and ear-piercing services in 1978. The company has pierced the ears of over 100 million customers since its inception and currently operates over 2,750 locations across 17 countries in North America and Europe. In 2018, Claire’s emerged from a bankruptcy restructuring process that offloaded $1.9 billion in debt while securing $575 million in new capital.
The current decline at Claire’s reflects a larger pattern in the retail industry, particularly for mall-centric retailers. Businesses such as Forever 21 and Foot Locker have also recently filed for bankruptcy, underscoring the challenges traditional retailers face in an age dominated by online shopping platforms like Shein and Temu, along with various economic hurdles.
Future Plans
Despite the closures, Claire’s is reportedly exploring strategic alternatives aimed at fostering a rebound. The company’s executives are actively assessing how best to navigate the turbulence and reinvigorate the brand.
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, the recent developments at Claire’s serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles within the industry, particularly as consumer preferences shift toward online shopping.
FAQ Section
Why is Claire’s closing nearly 300 stores?
Claire’s is closing stores due to increased competition, changing consumer spending habits, and a decline in brick-and-mortar retail. The company is also dealing with significant debt.
How many stores will close in California?
A total of 25 Claire’s locations will close in California as part of the nationwide store closures.
What is the timeline for the store closures?
The store closures are expected to be completed by September 7, 2025.
Is Claire’s considering a rebound strategy?
Yes, Claire’s is exploring strategic alternatives to foster a rebound while managing the necessary store closures.
Key Features of Claire’s store closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Store Closures | 291 locations nationwide |
| Store Closures in California | 25 locations |
| Debt Management | $500 million loan due by December 2023 |
| Projected Closure Completion | September 7, 2025 |
| History with Bankruptcy | Second filing since 2018 |
| Business Strategy Post-Closures | Exploring strategic alternatives for rebound |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC10: Claire’s Store Closures List 2025
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- USA Today: Claire’s Closing Stores Locations
- Google Search: Claire’s Bankruptcy
- Business Insider: Claire’s Boutique Bankruptcy Again
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail
- Fast Company: Claire’s Closing List
- Google News: Claire’s 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.
