California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings LLC will close over 290 stores in the U.S., affecting both Claire’s and Iceing brands, as part of its bankruptcy restructuring and a sale to Ames Watson. The closures, which impact multiple states with California leading in numbers, are expected to be finalized by early September. The company faces ongoing financial challenges, leading to its second bankruptcy filing, while attempting to adapt to the evolving retail landscape.
California—Claire’s Holdings LLC has announced the closure of over 290 stores across the United States as part of its ongoing bankruptcy procedures and a recent sale to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million. The closures will affect locations of both Claire’s and Iceing, a subsidiary brand, and are expected to be finalized by early September 2025, with most of the stores scheduled to shut down by September 7.
A court document filed on August 25 identifies 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Iceing stores that will be closing. These closures are part of a larger restructuring plan and follow the chain’s update regarding its financial state. Meanwhile, approximately 830 stores, including 785 Claire’s locations and 45 Iceing locations, will remain open, at least for the time being.
The closures will impact various states differently, with California seeing the highest number of affected stores at 25, followed closely by New York with 18, and Illinois and Pennsylvania each facing 16 closures. This marks a significant contraction for the brand, given Claire’s earlier alarm that it might need to eliminate over 1,100 stores unless a buyer was found.
Claire’s has faced ongoing financial difficulties, leading to its first bankruptcy filing in March 2018 due to challenging retail conditions. The brand, founded in 1961 originally as a wig store, expanded into jewelry and ear-piercing services in 1978. It has provided ear-piercing services to more than 100 million customers since its inception and at one time operated over 2,300 retail locations in 17 countries, including a strong presence within Walmart and at mall kiosks.
CEO Chris Cramer has stated that the decision to close stores reflects the challenges posed by increased competition, shifting consumer spending habits, and the wider trend of declining brick-and-mortar retail. Claire’s current debt stands at approximately $500 million, which is due by December 2025, and the company continues to explore strategic alternatives in collaboration with potential investors.
The brand’s recovery efforts included emerging from its first bankruptcy in December 2018 after erasing roughly $1.9 billion in debt. Although it had shown signs of profitability and planned an initial public offering (IPO) in 2021, the IPO was postponed, and financial troubles reemerged in 2023, leading to a second bankruptcy filing on August 6, 2025. Factors cited for the recent financial struggles include tariffs, increased interest rates, and evolving consumer behavior.
Historically, Claire’s stores have been a staple in American malls, previously found in around 99% of major shopping centers across the nation. The closures will mark a notable shift in the retail makeup of these shopping venues.
Key Details of Store Closures
- Total Store Closures: Over 290
- Affected Brands: Claire’s and Iceing
- Completion Date: Early September 2025, with most by September 7
- States with Most Closures: California (25), New York (18), Illinois (16), Pennsylvania (16)
- Remaining Stores: 830 stores, including 785 Claire’s and 45 Iceing locations
- Current Company Debt: $500 million due by December 2025
Background Context
Founded in 1961, Claire’s Holdings LLC became a popular destination for jewelry and ear-piercing services. Following its financial issues over the years, including two bankruptcy filings and rising debt, the company is continuing to restructure and adapt to the changing retail landscape. The latest plans aim to streamline operations in an industry increasingly threatened by the shift to online shopping and competition in the retail space.
FAQ
- Why is Claire’s closing stores?
- Claire’s is closing stores as part of its bankruptcy restructuring and sale to Ames Watson, addressing financial challenges and shifting consumer behaviors.
- How many stores will Claire’s close?
- Over 290 stores will close, affecting both Claire’s and Iceing locations.
- What is the timeline for these closures?
- The closures are expected to be completed by early September 2025, with many stores shutting down by September 7.
- What are the primary reasons for Claire’s financial struggles?
- Increased competition, changes in consumer spending, tariffs, and higher interest rates have contributed to Claire’s financial difficulties.
- How many locations will Claire’s still have after the closures?
- After the closures, approximately 830 stores, including 785 Claire’s and 45 Iceing locations, will remain open.
Store Closure Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Store Closures | Over 290 |
| Affected Brands | Claire’s & Iceing |
| Expected Completion Date | Early September 2025 |
| States with Most Closures | California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania |
| Current Debt | $500 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox LA: Claire’s Bankruptcy & Store Closures List
- Business Insider: Claire’s Boutique Bankruptcy Again
- AL.com: Mall Staple Claire’s Files for 2nd Bankruptcy
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- Google Search: Claire’s Bankruptcy News
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.
