California, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings, a major jewelry retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, accumulating $690 million in debt. The company plans to close 291 stores nationwide, including 23 in California. Despite this, Claire’s will retain 830 locations under new management from private equity firm Ames Watson, which aims to stabilize operations amidst shifting consumer trends and increased competition. The closure sales will end by September 7, 2025, with gift cards redeemable until August 29, 2025.
California—Claire’s Holdings, a prominent retailer of jewelry and fashion accessories, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, amassing a significant debt of $690 million. This filing, submitted earlier this month in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, comes as the company plans to shutter 291 stores across the nation, including 23 locations in California.
The company’s bankruptcy follows a previous filing in 2018. To navigate this financial turmoil, Claire’s has reached an agreement with private equity firm Ames Watson, which will acquire its North American operations. Ames Watson plans to retain the remaining 830 stores and is set to pay $104 million in cash as well as a $36 million seller note for Claire’s business assets.
While some store locations will undergo liquidation, Claire’s has put a pause on closure processes at many sites, ensuring that the situation will not lead to an immediate and widespread shutdown. CEO Chris Cramer has indicated that filing for bankruptcy was necessary due to challenges from rising competition, shifting consumer spending habits, and a general decline in brick-and-mortar retail.
As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, Claire’s is making efforts to preserve jobs and maintain operations for many of its vendors and landlords. The company operates more than 2,750 stores across 17 countries and another 190 Icing stores in North America. Of the total number of stores, over 800 locations are not set to close immediately, indicating a selective strategy moving forward.
Sales at the closing stores are expected to conclude by September 7, 2025, and selected locations have already initiated a 50% off store closing sale. Furthermore, customers can redeem gift cards and C. Club Rewards until August 29, 2025, in select stores.
The California locations confirmed for closure include:
- 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
This restructuring marks a pivotal moment for Claire’s as it embarks on a journey to stabilize its financial health and adapt to the evolving retail landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What led Claire’s to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?
Increased competition, changing consumer spending trends, and a shift away from brick-and-mortar retail have necessitated the bankruptcy filing.
How many stores will be closing, and in which states?
Claire’s plans to close 291 stores nationwide, with 23 locations confirmed in California.
When will sales at closing locations end?
All sales at the closing locations are expected to conclude by September 7, 2025.
Can customers still use gift cards at closing locations?
Yes, gift cards and C. Club Rewards can be redeemed in select stores until August 29, 2025.
Who will be operating the remaining stores after bankruptcy?
Ames Watson, a private equity firm, will operate the remaining 830 stores after acquiring Claire’s North American business.
Key Features of Claire’s Bankruptcy and Store Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Debt | $690 million |
| Stores Closing Nationally | 291 |
| California Store Closures | 23 locations |
| Remaining Stores | 830 |
| Bankruptcy Filing Date | Earlier this month |
| Closure Sale End Date | September 7, 2025 |
| Gift Card Redemption Deadline | August 29, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Siskiyou Daily: Claire’s Store Closures
- Fast Company: Claire’s Retail Transition
- KING 5 News: Claire’s Store Closings
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, 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 Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
