California, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s, the popular teen accessories chain, has announced it will close around 300 stores across the United States as part of its Chapter 11 bankruptcy process. This marks the company’s second bankruptcy filing in five years, driven by significant debt and heightened competition in retail. Among the closures, 25 stores in California will be impacted, with notable locations including Long Beach and San Jose. The closures are expected to be finalized by September 2025.
California — Claire’s, the well-known teen accessories chain, has declared the closure of nearly 300 stores across the United States as part of its recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, marking the company’s second bankruptcy in just five years. The impending shutdown follows significant financial pressures facing the company, including substantial debt and fierce competition in the retail market.
The announcement includes the closure of 291 locations nationwide, with 25 stores affected in California alone. Affected California 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. The closures are anticipated to conclude by September 7, 2025.
In addition to the Claire’s closures, 56 Icing stores, a sister brand that offers a complementary range of accessories, will also be closing across various locations, including those in Culver City, Lakewood, and Palmdale. A recent liquidation sale at the Emeryville location showcased discounts of 70-80% to clear out remaining merchandise.
CEO Chris Cramer attributed the store closures to several key factors, including an increase in competition, shifting consumer spending habits, and a significant decline in brick-and-mortar retail presence. Claire’s has amassed significant debt, with a $500 million loan scheduled to be repaid by December 2023, raising questions about its financial health and future viability.
Founded in 1961 originally as a wig store, Claire’s has undergone major transitions throughout the decades, evolving into a popular destination for accessories and ear-piercing services since 1978. The company claims to have pierced over 100 million customers’ ears, reflecting its longstanding presence in the retail market. Despite operating more than 2,750 locations across 17 countries in North America and Europe, the brand’s struggles mirror a broader decline in traditional mall-centric retail outlets.
The rise of online shopping platforms, notably brands like Shein and Temu, alongside ongoing economic challenges, has contributed to the significant downturn of mall retailers. Claire’s previous bankruptcy restructuring in 2018 saw the company offload $1.9 billion in debt, and while it secured $575 million in new capital, this latest downturn further emphasizes the difficulties facing the retail sector.
As the company navigates this turbulent period, ongoing discussions are in place to explore strategic alternatives aimed at a potential rebound, even as closures are being executed. Notably, other mall-centric retailers, such as Forever 21 and Foot Locker, have also filed for bankruptcy recently, indicating a troubling trend within the industry.
Key Locations Closing in California
- 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
- Tustin
Overview of Claire’s Bankruptcy Filings and Store Closures
| Year | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | First Bankruptcy Filing | Restructured debt of $1.9 billion and raised $575 million. |
| 2023 | Second Bankruptcy Filing | Closure of 291 stores, including 25 in California. |
| Expected Closure Date | All closures to be completed by | September 7, 2025. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Claire’s closing so many stores?
Claire’s is closing nearly 300 stores due to increased competition, changing consumer habits, and financial challenges, including substantial debt.
How many stores will close in California?
A total of 25 locations across various cities in California will be shuttered as part of the bankruptcy process.
What is the timeline for the store closures?
The closures are expected to be finalized by September 7, 2025.
What impact has online shopping had on Claire’s?
The rise of online shopping platforms has negatively affected traditional retail, contributing to declining sales at Claire’s and similar stores.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC10 News
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- USA Today
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Fast Company
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Trends
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.
