New York, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings LLC will close over 290 stores in the U.S. due to bankruptcy and a sale to private equity firm Ames Watson. This includes 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing locations, with most closures expected by September 7, 2025. The company is facing significant challenges in the retail market, grappling with a $500 million debt due by 2025. Despite these closures, 830 stores will remain operational. This marks a continued struggle for Claire’s following previous bankruptcy filings and an ongoing search for viable partnerships.
Claire’s to Close Over 290 Stores Amid Bankruptcy and Sale to Private Equity Firm
New York – Claire’s Holdings LLC will close over 290 retail locations across the U.S. as part of its recent bankruptcy proceedings and a $104 million sale to private equity firm Ames Watson. This decision, affecting both Claire’s and Icing locations, comes amidst ongoing difficulties in the retail sector, with store closures expected to be finalized by early September 2025, primarily by September 7.
According to a court document filed on August 25, a total of 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing stores will shutter operations. Despite these closures, a total of 830 stores—including 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations—will remain open for the time being.
The states expected to see the highest number of closures include California with 25 stores, New York with 18, Illinois with 16, and Pennsylvania with 16. This significant reduction in locations reflects the company’s struggles to adapt to changing consumer preferences and increased competition in the retail market.
In previous statements, Claire’s had warned that if a buyer was not found, it might be necessary to close over 1,100 stores, highlighting the severity of its financial situation.
Claire’s initially filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2018, citing a myriad of challenges faced by the retail sector. Founded in 1961, the chain began as a wig store and significantly expanded its offerings to include jewelry and ear-piercing services by 1978. Claire’s has provided ear-piercing services to over 100 million customers globally.
Before its recent sale, the company operated upwards of 2,300 retail locations across 17 countries and maintained a strong presence in major retail environments such as Walmart and shopping mall kiosks. However, the landscape of retail has changed dramatically in recent years, contributing to its financial downfall.
CEO Chris Cramer acknowledged the difficult nature of deciding to close stores, attributing the action to the increased competition, shifting consumer spending habits, and a general decline in brick-and-mortar retail. Currently, Claire’s is dealing with a debt load of $500 million that is due by December 2025.
The chain has been actively exploring strategic alternatives while engaging with potential partners who may offer support. Following its first bankruptcy in 2018, Claire’s successfully eliminated around $1.9 billion in debt, but here’s where the challenges resurfaced. After showing signs of profitability and planning an initial public offering (IPO) in 2021, the company postponed its plans and encountered further financial difficulties in 2023.
On August 6, 2025, Claire’s submitted a second bankruptcy filing, citing factors such as tariffs, increased interest rates, and changing behaviors among consumers. Once a familiar staple in American shopping malls, Claire’s stores were frequently found in approximately 99% of major shopping centers; however, the changing landscape of the retail market has raised concerns about the future of the brand and its ability to adapt.
Store Closures Overview
- Total Stores Closing: Over 290
- Affected Brands: Claire’s and Icing
- Closure Timeline: Most by September 7, 2025
- States with Most Closures: California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania
- Remaining Stores: 830 stores (785 Claire’s, 45 Icing)
Financial Background
- Initial Bankruptcy Filing: March 2018
- Debt After First Bankruptcy: Eliminated $1.9 billion
- Current Debt: $500 million due by December 2025
- Second Bankruptcy Filing: August 6, 2025
Looking Ahead
Claire’s is in the process of recalibrating its business strategy as it navigates these challenging waters, focusing on potential partnerships that could support a path toward recovery. With its rich history and established brand, the company’s future remains uncertain but pivotal in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
FAQ
Why is Claire’s closing stores?
Claire’s is closing stores due to financial difficulties, increased competition, and changing consumer behaviors that have significantly impacted brick-and-mortar retail.
When will the store closures take place?
Most store closures are expected to be completed by early September 2025, with many shutting down by September 7.
What is Claire’s current debt situation?
Claire’s currently has a debt of $500 million that is due by December 2025.
How many stores will remain open after the closures?
After the planned closures, a total of 830 stores, including 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations, will remain open.
Summary Table of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Stores Closing | Over 290 |
| Affected Brands | Claire’s and Icing |
| Closure Timeline | Most by September 7, 2025 |
| States with Most Closures | California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania |
| Remaining Stores | 830 stores (785 Claire’s, 45 Icing) |
| Current Debt | $500 million due by December 2025 |
| Second Bankruptcy Filing | August 6, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox LA: Claire’s Bankruptcy and Store Closures
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- AL.com: Claire’s Files for Second Bankruptcy
- Google Search: Claire’s Bankruptcy
- Business Insider: Claire’s Bankruptcy History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail
- Bloomberg: Claire’s Bankruptcy Amid Trinket Boom
- Google News: Claire’s
- KING 5: Claire’s Store Closings List 2025
- The Globe and Mail: Claire’s Bankruptcy Sale
- WWD: Claire’s Acquisition by Ames Watson
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.
