Claire's, a popular mall-based jewelry and accessory store, has filed for bankruptcy for the second time and is now at risk of closing more than 1,100 of its stores across the United States.
The company is also actively searching for a buyer to keep about 800 remaining stores in business.
According to court filings made in Delaware, Claire's currently operates 1,326 stores. The company has already confirmed that 18 locations — including both Claire's and Icing stores — will close by September 7 if a sale does not happen soon.
A full list of these stores has been released, showing closures in 13 states, including Illinois, Texas, California, and New York.
"This decision is difficult, but a necessary one," said Claire's CEO Chris Cramer. According to TheHill, he explained that the company has faced serious pressure from "increased competition, consumer spending trends, and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail."
Claire's has been hit hard by fast-fashion brands like Shein and Temu, rising rental costs, and new tariffs from key suppliers, including China.
All these issues have made it harder for the company to stay profitable.
🚨 Claire’s Files for Bankruptcy… Again – What This Means for Retail
— Darko Pavic (@PavicDarko) August 11, 2025
Claire’s, the fashion accessories retailer once synonymous with tween shopping trips and ear piercings, has filed for bankruptcy in the US for the second time.
The numbers today:
➡️ 2,750 stores in 17… pic.twitter.com/64mbHVJIAU
Claire's Bankruptcy Puts 1,119 Stores at Risk Without Quick Sale
In the bankruptcy filings, Cramer shared that Claire's has already received multiple offers from interested buyers.
If a sale can be completed quickly, the company hopes to stop store closings and continue operating under new ownership.
"We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners," Cramer added. "We are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives."
Despite public statements that stores would remain open, the company's filings show a different picture. The documents reveal that 1,119 stores are at risk of closing if Claire's can't find a buyer, USA Today said.
Claire's, founded in 1961 in Chicago, is best known for selling jewelry, accessories, and offering ear piercing services.
For many girls in the US, getting their ears pierced at Claire's has been a memorable first-time experience. The company says it has pierced over 100 million ears since 1978.
This is the second time Claire's has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, having previously done so in 2018.
Today, the company is burdened with around $500 million in debt, while its assets and liabilities are estimated to be between $1 billion and $10 billion.
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