Claire's files for bankruptcy - again. See which stores are closing.
Mall jewelry chain Claire's has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years.
The majority of Claire's locations in the U.S. and the rest of North America will remain open as the company "continues to explore all strategic alternatives," according to a news release issued Wednesday, Aug. 6, by parent company Claire's Holdings LLC and Claire's U.S., which operates Claire's and Icing stores in the U.S.
Claire's, which is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, near Chicago, has continued to struggle since a March 2018 bankruptcy filing. The rise of ultra-popular fast fashion websites Shein and Temu had cut into sales for the jewelry store chain, which has 1,326 company-operated stores in the U.S. Other detrimental factors: rising interest rates, inflation and tariffs on goods from China.
Known for its ear piercings and teen fashion accessories, the chain joins other companies facing bankruptcies and store closings such as At Home, Big Lots, Joann Fabrics, Kohl's, JCPenney, Macy's and Party City.
Here's what to know, including which stores are closing.
Why is Claire's filing for backtuptcy?
Ahead of the Aug. 6 bankruptcy filing, the company had sought to find a buyer for all or part of the business, and identified 18 stores it would close, according to filings in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
"This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire's and its stakeholders," said Claire's CEO Chris Cramer in the news release. "We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives."
Earlier this year, Claire's deferred payments on debt interest as a way to conserve cash, Bloomberg reported. U.S. tariff policy uncertainties has led to concerns about Claire's ability to pay a $475 million loan due in December 2026, according to Bloomberg.
Another sign of financial pressure and cash flow problems at Claire's: the company had increasingly fallen behind on its bills over the past year, according to Ragini Bhalla, spokesperson for business credit report provider Creditsafe.
"These patterns once again reveal that the retailer has been struggling to handle its financial obligations and delaying paying more of its outstanding bills," she said in July 30 report shared with Paste BN.
Which Claire's and Icing stores are closing?
A total of 18 Claire's and Icing stores will be closing, with clearance sales concluding no later than Sept. 7, according to the company's court filings. Additional stores could close, the company said in the filing.
Here's the current list:
Claire's Stores closing (13)
- Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, Alabama
- Newpark Mall, Newark, California
- Ford City Mall, Chicago
- Market Street, Lynnfield, Massachusetts
- Bay City Town Center, Bay City, Michigan
- Northtown Mall, Blaine, Minnesota
- Livingston Mall, Livingston, New Jersey
- Uniontown Mall, Uniontown, Pennsylvania
- Shops at Highland Village, Highland Village, Texas
- Pinnacle at Turkey Creek, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Junction Commons, Park City, Utah
- Provo Town Center, Provo, Utah
- Woodinville Plaza, Woodinville, Washington
Icing stores closing (5)
- Galleria at Tyler, Riverside, California
- Woodland Mall, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Greece Ridge, Rochester, New York
- Mall of Abilene, Abilene, Texas
- University Orem, Orem, Utah
This story was updated to fix an inaccuracy.
Contributing: Greta Cross and Kathryn Palmer, Paste BN
Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for Paste BN. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com
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