California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings LLC has announced plans to close more than 290 stores as part of its bankruptcy proceedings and sale to Ames Watson. The closures will include both Claire’s and Icing locations across the U.S., affecting major states like California, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. With a total of 830 stores remaining operational, Claire’s aims to navigate financial struggles exacerbated by competition and shifting consumer habits. The company carries significant debt and is exploring strategic options for its future.
California – Claire’s Holdings LLC, a well-known jewelry retailer, has announced plans to close over 290 stores as part of its recent bankruptcy proceedings and sale to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million. The closures, which will affect both Claire’s and Icing locations across the United States, are expected to be finalized by early September 2025, with the majority of stores shutting down by September 7. The court document filed on August 25 specifies that 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing stores will be closed.
Despite these closures, Claire’s will keep a total of 830 stores operational for the time being, which includes 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations. The states most impacted by the store closures include California, with 25 stores, followed by New York with 18, and both Illinois and Pennsylvania with 16 closures each.
This decision comes as Claire’s aims to address ongoing financial struggles that have persisted since its first bankruptcy filing in March 2018, largely due to challenges in the retail environment. Before the recent sale, Claire’s operated over 2,300 retail locations across 17 countries and was a familiar presence in both Walmart and mall kiosks.
Throughout its history, Claire’s has distinguished itself with its signature ear-piercing services, having provided them to over 100 million customers since its founding in 1961 as a wig store, which later evolved into a jewelry retailer. CEO Chris Cramer attributes the store closures to intensified competition, changing consumer spending habits, and a noticeable shift away from traditional brick-and-mortar shopping.
As the company navigates this challenging period, it carries a significant debt of $500 million, which is due by December 2025. The decision to downsize has been characterized as both difficult and necessary for the company’s long-term viability. Claire’s previously indicated in its filings that it might have had to shut down over 1,100 stores if it did not secure a buyer.
Following its emergence from the first bankruptcy in December 2018, where it successfully eliminated about $1.9 billion in debt, Claire’s had experienced a brief upturn, with plans for an initial public offering (IPO) in 2021. However, that IPO was postponed, and the chain faced financial difficulties once again, leading to its second bankruptcy filing on August 6, 2025. Factors cited for these difficulties include tariffs, increasing interest rates, and evolving consumer behaviors.
In response to its financial challenges, Claire’s is currently exploring strategic alternatives and remains in talks with potential strategic and financial partners, indicating that the chain is seeking a path forward during a turbulent time.
FAQ Section
What is happening with Claire’s stores?
Claire’s Holdings LLC will close over 290 stores as part of its bankruptcy process and sale to a private equity firm. The closures will primarily affect Claire’s and Icing locations across the U.S.
When will the store closures take place?
The closures are expected to be completed by early September 2025, with most stores shutting down by September 7.
How many stores will remain open?
A total of 830 stores will remain operational for now, which includes 785 Claire’s locations and 45 Icing locations.
What has contributed to the store closures?
The closures are due to increased competition, changing consumer spending trends, and a shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, along with significant company debt.
What is the company’s financial situation?
Claire’s has a debt of $500 million due by December 2025 and previously filed for bankruptcy in March 2018. The company is exploring strategic options to manage its financial challenges.
Key Features of Claire’s Store Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Store Closures | Over 290 stores |
| Expected Closure Completion | By early September 2025 |
| States with Most Closures | California (25), New York (18), Illinois (16), Pennsylvania (16) |
| Total Remaining Stores | 830 stores (785 Claire’s, 45 Icing) |
| Company Debt | $500 million due by December 2025 |
| History of Bankruptcies | Filed for bankruptcy in March 2018 and again on August 6, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox LA: Claire’s Bankruptcy and Store Closures
- Business Insider: Claire’s Second Bankruptcy
- Bloomberg: Claire’s Bankruptcy Amid Trinket Boom
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- Google Search: Claire’s Bankruptcy
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.
