California, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s Holdings LLC is set to close over 290 stores, including 235 Claire’s and 56 Icing locations, as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. This decision follows its sale to Ames Watson for $104 million, with the closures expected to take effect by early September 2025. Key states affected include California and New York, among others. The closures come as the company tries to manage significant debt and evolving consumer behavior in the retail sector.
California is set to witness the closing of over 290 stores belonging to Claire’s Holdings LLC as part of the company’s recent bankruptcy proceedings and sale to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million. The closures will impact both Claire’s and Icing locations across the United States and are expected to be finalized by early September 2025, with a substantial number shutting down by September 7, 2025.
The court document filed on August 25 shows that 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing stores will permanently close, while a total of 830 stores—consisting of 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations—will remain open for the time being. Major states affected by these closures include California, which will lose 25 stores; New York, with 18 closures; followed by Illinois and Pennsylvania, each having 16 stores shut down.
In previous communications, Claire’s had indicated the possibility of closing over 1,100 stores if a buyer was not found. The company first filed for bankruptcy in March 2018, citing ongoing struggles within the retail industry as a significant contributing factor. Claire’s, originally founded in 1961 as a wig store, transitioned into jewelry and ear-piercing services by 1978 and has provided ear-piercing services to over 100 million customers.
Prior to the recent sale, Claire’s managed a total of over 2,300 retail locations across 17 countries, with a strong presence in Walmart and as mall kiosks. The recent restructuring efforts come amid increased competition and changing consumer spending habits that have shifted away from brick-and-mortar retail spaces, as noted by CEO Chris Cramer. The company is grappling with a current debt of $500 million, which is due by December 2025. The decision to close stores has been described as difficult yet necessary.
While Claire’s is facing significant challenges, efforts to explore strategic alternatives and remain in discussions with potential strategic and financial partners are ongoing. After emerging from its first bankruptcy in December 2018 with a substantial reduction in debt totaling around $1.9 billion, the company briefly posted profitability and even planned an IPO in 2021. However, these plans were postponed due to subsequently facing financial difficulties leading to a second bankruptcy filing on August 6, 2025. Contributing factors to this recent filing included tariffs, elevated interest rates, and significant changes in consumer behaviors.
Historically, Claire’s stores have been a defining feature of American malls, previously found in about 99% of major shopping centers. Nevertheless, the rapid evolution of shopping preferences combined with economic pressures is reshaping the retail landscape for Claire’s and similar companies.
FAQs
1. Why is Claire’s closing over 290 stores?
Claire’s is closing these stores as part of a bankruptcy process following its sale to Ames Watson, as the company seeks to address its financial struggles and manage increased competition.
2. When will the store closures take place?
The closures are expected to be completed by early September 2025, with most locations shutting down by September 7, 2025.
3. How did Claire’s end up in bankruptcy?
Claire’s faced financial difficulties due to a combination of increased competition, changes in consumer spending, and ongoing retail challenges, leading to its first bankruptcy filing in 2018 and a second filing in 2025.
4. What are the states most affected by the closures?
California, New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania will see the highest number of store closures, contributing to the total of 290 shutting down.
5. What is the status of the remaining Claire’s and Icing stores?
A total of 830 stores will remain open for now, with ongoing reevaluation of the company’s operational strategy.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Store Closures | Over 290 locations (235 Claire’s and 56 Icing stores) |
| Expected Closure Completion Date | By early September 2025, most by September 7, 2025 |
| Total Stores Remaining | 830 stores (785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations) |
| States with Most Closures | California (25), New York (18), Illinois (16), Pennsylvania (16) |
| Current Debt | $500 million due by December 2025 |
| First Bankruptcy Filing | March 2018 |
| Second Bankruptcy Filing | August 6, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox LA: Claire’s Bankruptcy and Store Closures in California
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- AL.com: Claire’s Files for 2nd Bankruptcy
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Business Insider: Claire’s Bankruptcy History
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Retail Bankruptcy
- The Globe and Mail: Claire’s Sale to Ames Watson
- Google News: Retail Store Closures
- WWD: Claire’s Acquisition by Ames Watson
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, 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 Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
