California, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings, a jewelry and fashion accessories retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to $690 million in debt. The company plans to close 291 stores, including 23 in California, and aims to revitalize its operations in partnership with Ames Watson, a private equity firm. While some liquidation efforts are underway, Claire’s is focused on preserving jobs and relationships with vendors. The sales at closing locations are expected to be completed by September 7, 2025.
California – Claire’s Holdings, the well-known jewelry and fashion accessories retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, carrying a staggering $690 million in debt. This filing took place earlier this month in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, marking a challenging phase for the brand as it plans to close 291 of its stores across the nation, including 23 locations throughout California.
In a move to stabilize the business, Claire’s has reached an agreement with Ames Watson, a private equity firm, to acquire its North American operations. Under this agreement, Ames Watson will pay Claire’s $104 million in cash, along with a $36 million seller note for its business assets. Following this transaction, Ames Watson plans to keep operating the remaining 830 stores, focusing on revitalizing the brand.
While the company is initiating closure procedures for select locations, it has also paused liquidation efforts at many stores. Presently, some locations in North America will continue to see liquidation sales, while the company aims to preserve jobs and maintain operational relationships with various vendors and landlords.
CEO Chris Cramer outlined that the decision to file for bankruptcy was influenced by several factors, including intensified competition in the retail market, changing consumer spending trends, and a broader shift away from conventional brick-and-mortar retail store formats. In response to these market challenges, Claire’s is adapting its business model to better suit current consumer preferences.
Claire’s, which operates over 2,750 stores in 17 countries in addition to its 190 Icing stores in North America, has already identified more than 800 locations that are not set to close immediately. However, all sales at the locations scheduled for closure are expected to wrap up by September 7, 2025. To facilitate these closures, Claire’s has launched a 50% off store closing sale at select outlet locations, and customers can redeem gift cards and C. Club Rewards at certain stores until August 29, 2025.
The 23 locations in California scheduled 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 latest bankruptcy marks Claire’s second filing in recent years, the first occurring in 2018. The company is not alone in facing pressures from evolving consumer habits, as many other retailers have also adjusted their business strategies amidst the growing dominance of online shopping.
FAQ Section
What is Claire’s Holdings?
Claire’s Holdings is a jewelry and fashion accessories retailer that operates numerous stores across the world.
Why did Claire’s file for bankruptcy?
Claire’s filed for bankruptcy due to significant debt, increased competition, shifting consumer spending behaviors, and the decline of traditional retail shopping.
How many stores will Claire’s close?
Claire’s plans to close a total of 291 stores nationwide, including 23 locations in California.
Will all stores in California close?
No, not all California stores will close. Over 800 stores are identified to remain operational.
When will the sales at closing stores end?
Sales at the closing locations are expected to be completed by September 7, 2025.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing | Executed to reorganize and address $690 million in debt. |
| Store Closures | 291 nationwide; 23 in California, effective until September 7, 2025. |
| Private Equity Acquisition | Ames Watson agrees to acquire North American operations for $140 million. |
| Liquidation Sales | 50% off sales initiated in select locations. |
| Job Preservation Efforts | Aim to maintain jobs and relationships with vendors and landlords. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Siskiyou Daily: Claire’s Closing California Stores
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- ABC10: Claire’s Store Closings List
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy news
- Fast Company: Claire’s Store Closures
- Google Scholar: Claire’s retail bankruptcy
- LA Times: Claire’s Files for Second Bankruptcy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail
- King 5: Claire’s Store Closings List
- Google News: Claire’s retail closures
