Delaware, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings, the popular jewelry and fashion accessories retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to debts of $690 million. The company will close 291 stores across the U.S., with 23 locations in California affected. This marks Claire’s second bankruptcy filing in five years. Despite the closures, Claire’s has struck a deal with Ames Watson, a private equity firm, to retain 830 stores and secure a cash infusion of $104 million. The company aims to navigate financial struggles amid a changing retail landscape.
Delaware – Claire’s Holdings, the well-known jewelry and fashion accessories retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, grappling with debts totaling $690 million. In light of its financial struggles, the company has announced plans to close 291 Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, including 23 locations in California.
The bankruptcy filing was made earlier this month in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court situated in Delaware. This marks the second time in five years the company has sought bankruptcy protection, as it previously filed in 2018 amid similar challenges.
Despite the closures, Claire’s has reached a significant agreement with Ames Watson, a private equity firm, for the acquisition of its North American business operations. Under this agreement, Ames Watson will retain the remaining 830 stores and will pay Claire’s $104 million in cash, along with a $36 million seller note for business assets.
Due to the ongoing financial difficulties linked to increased competition, shifting consumer spending patterns, and the transition towards online shopping, Claire’s has temporarily paused liquidation sales at many outlets. However, some locations in North America will still be liquidated, with store closing sales offering 50% off at select sites. All sales for the stores identified for closure are set to conclude by September 7, 2025.
Store Closures in California
The following locations in California are slated for closure:
- 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
Company Overview
Claire’s Holdings operates over 2,750 stores in 17 countries, along with 190 Icing stores in North America. As the company re-evaluates its retail operations, it has identified more than 800 stores that are not scheduled for immediate closure. The firm aims to preserve as many jobs as possible and to maintain operations for its vendors and landlords. Additionally, customers can redeem gift cards and C. Club Rewards in select stores until August 29, 2025.
The decision to enter bankruptcy and close stores comes after considerable challenges in a changing retail landscape, emphasizing the stark realities for brick-and-mortar retailers. The landscape is shifting fundamentally as consumer preferences evolve towards online shopping and away from physical stores.
Conclusion
The forthcoming closures and restructuring efforts underscore significant transitions within the retail industry as Claire’s Holdings endeavors to navigate a substantial debt load while maintaining operational viability. The company’s decisions reflect broader trends facing traditional retailers amid a rapidly changing consumer market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason for Claire’s bankruptcy filing?
Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to a debt of $690 million, increased competition, changing consumer spending trends, and a move away from physical retail stores.
How many stores are set to close?
Claire’s plans to close 291 stores nationwide, including 23 in California.
When will the store closures occur?
Store closing sales are expected to conclude by September 7, 2025.
What will happen to gift cards and C. Club Rewards?
Gift cards and C. Club Rewards can be redeemed in select stores until August 29, 2025.
Who is acquiring Claire’s North American business?
Ames Watson, a private equity firm, will acquire Claire’s North American business operations, ensuring the operation of remaining stores.
| Store Closure Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Stores Closing | 291 (23 in California) |
| Total Debt | $690 million |
| Acquisition by | Ames Watson |
| Cash Payment | $104 million |
| Seller Note | $36 million |
| Closing Sale Percentage Off | 50% Off |
| Closure Finalization Date | September 7, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Siskiyou Daily: Claire’s Closing California Stores
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- ABC10: Claire’s Store Closings List
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Fast Company: Claire’s Closing List
- Google Scholar: Claire’s retail
- Los Angeles Times: Claire’s Files for Second Bankruptcy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bankruptcy
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles 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 Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
