California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings LLC plans to close more than 290 stores across the United States as part of its bankruptcy process after selling to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million. The closures will predominantly affect Claire’s and Icing locations, with the majority expected to be completed by September 2025. Despite these closures, the company will retain 830 stores for the time being. Financial struggles have been ongoing since its first bankruptcy filing in 2018, with debts totaling approximately $500 million due by December 2025.
CALIFORNIA – Claire’s Holdings LLC will close over 290 stores as part of its bankruptcy process and subsequent sale to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million. The closures will affect both Claire’s and Icing locations across the United States. Most of the store closures are expected to be completed by early September 2025, with the majority shutting down by September 7. Court documents filed on August 25 reveal that 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing stores are listed for closure.
Despite these closures, a total of 830 stores, which include 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations, will remain open for the time being. States with the highest number of planned closures include California, where 25 stores will close, followed by New York with 18 closures, Illinois with 16, and Pennsylvania also facing 16 closures.
The company’s financial struggles have been evident for several years, especially since its first bankruptcy filing in March 2018. A variety of challenges within the retail sector, ranging from increased competition to evolving consumer spending trends, have contributed to the current state of affairs. Claire’s had warned that it might need to close over 1,100 stores if a buyer was not secured. The latest bankruptcy filing occurred on August 6, 2025, underlining its financial pressures, with debts amounting to approximately $500 million due by December 2025.
Historically, Claire’s began as a wig store when it was founded in 1961 and later expanded into jewelry retail and ear-piercing services in 1978. The chain has since served over 100 million customers through its ear-piercing offerings. At its peak, Claire’s boasted more than 2,300 locations globally, with significant representation in major U.S. shopping centers and partnerships with Walmart.
CEO Chris Cramer noted that the decision to close stores was a difficult choice, but one deemed necessary due to the shifts in consumer behavior and the increasing competition in the retail market. Following its emergence from bankruptcy in December 2018, the company managed to eliminate approximately $1.9 billion in debt. In 2021, Claire’s was poised for an IPO but later postponed it as financial challenges resurfaced in 2023.
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Claire’s is actively exploring strategic alternatives and is in discussions with potential financial and strategic partners as it strives for stability in the current retail landscape.
FAQ Section
- What is happening to Claire’s stores?
- Claire’s Holdings LLC is closing over 290 stores across the U.S. as part of its bankruptcy process after being sold to Ames Watson.
- How many stores are affected by the closure?
- A total of 291 stores will close, consisting of 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing stores.
- When are the store closures expected to be completed?
- The closures will largely be completed by early September 2025, with many stores shutting down by September 7.
- What financial challenges is Claire’s facing?
- Claire’s currently has approximately $500 million in debt due by December 2025 and has filed for bankruptcy twice, citing ongoing retail struggles.
- What services does Claire’s provide?
- Claire’s is known for its ear-piercing services, jewelry retail, and various accessories, serving over 100 million customers since its establishment.
Key Features of the Claire’s Store Closures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Closures | Over 290 stores |
| Closure Timeline | By early September 2025, primarily by September 7 |
| List of Affected States | California (25), New York (18), Illinois (16), Pennsylvania (16) |
| Total Remaining Stores | 830 stores (785 Claire’s and 45 Icing) |
| Current Debt | $500 million due by December 2025 |
| Initial Bankruptcy Filing | March 2018 |
| First Bankruptcy Emergence | December 2018 |
| 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 Bankruptcy Again
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Business Insider: Claire’s Bankruptcy History
- Google Scholar: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Bloomberg: Claire’s Second Bankruptcy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Bankruptcy
- WWD: Claire’s Acquisition by Ames Watson
- Google News: Store closures California
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange 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 Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
