After years of financial struggles, including multiple Chapter 11 bankruptcies and ongoing declines, a once-iconic mall staple known for its affordable jewelry, colorful hair accessories, and quirky novelties is now on the verge of fading.
A new revelation has uncovered a sad truth, casting doubt on the survival of a 64-year-old brand that once played a major role in the lives of countless teens and tweens.
Related: Claire’s gets a bankruptcy lifeline, stops store closures
In August 2025, Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time, with estimated assets and liabilities between $1 billion and $10 billion.
This filing followed its first bankruptcy in 2018, when it emerged under the new ownership of Elliott Management Corp. and Monarch Alternative Capital.
Despite all efforts, the rise of online shopping, shifting consumer trends, a slowdown in consumer spending, and a decline in foot traffic proved too much for the brand to overcome.
Image source: Zapata/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Claire’s acquired in $140 million deal after filing for Chapter 11
In a last-ditch effort to revive the brand, Claire’s was acquired by the private equity firm Ames Watson in a nearly $140 million deal that included up to 950 stores.
Known for transforming struggling but iconic brands, Ames Watson assumed a significant portion of Claire’s liabilities including vendor and landlord debts, cure costs, and the continued employment of its staff, while providing $36 million in seller financing.
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The acquisition seemingly paused mass store closures and allowed Claire’s to continue liquidation sales at select North American locations.
At the time, the deal was seen as a second chance and potential turning point for the beloved retailer, with the brand saying the move would help “Claire’s brand to remain a prominent retailer for teens, tweens, and young girls around the world.”
However, despite the new ownership, 291 stores are officially slated for closure, casting uncertainty over the future of Claire’s North American footprint.
Claire’s reveals 291 closing stores
Claire’s operates around 1,350 stores across the U.S., including Icing and Walmart shop-in-shop locations, which leaves 400 stores in limbo.
According to a newly released filing, 235 Claire’s and 56 Icing stores are set to close, while 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations are expected to remain open. Dates for each store’s closure have yet to be revealed.
Number of Claire’s stores closing
- Alabama: 4
- Arizona: 7
- Arkansas: 5
- California: 25
- Colorado: 5
- Connecticut: 3
- Delaware: 2
- Florida: 13
- Georgia: 12
- Hawaii: 4
- Illinois: 16
- Indiana: 5
- Iowa: 3
- Kansas: 7
- Kentucky: 3
- Louisiana: 2
- Maine: 2
- Maryland: 7
- Massachusetts: 6
- Michigan: 11
- Minnesota: 3
- Mississippi: 3
- Missouri: 6
- Montana: 1
- Nebraska: 4
- Nevada: 1
- New Hampshire: 2
- New Jersey: 7
- New Mexico: 4
- New York: 18
- North Carolina: 10
- North Dakota: 1
- Ohio: 13
- Oklahoma: 4
- Oregon: 9
- Pennsylvania: 16
- South Carolina: 2
- South Dakota: 3
- Tennessee: 3
- Texas: 13
- Utah: 7
- Virginia: 6
- Washington State: 4
- West Virginia: 1
- Wisconsin: 6
- Wyoming: 1
- Puerto Rico: 1
Globally, Claire’s still operates 2,750 stores across 17 countries. But saving the brand represents more than just rescuing a business; it’s about preserving a cultural touchstone.
In an era when so many childhood staples have faded away, the loss of Claire’s feels like another piece of nostalgia has been lost.
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