September 1, 2025

Claire’s Announces Closure of Nearly 300 Stores Nationwide

California, September 1, 2025

News Summary

Claire’s, the teen accessories chain, plans to close about 300 stores across the U.S., including 25 locations in California. This decision follows the company’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, marking its second since 2018. The closures result from increased competition, changing consumer habits, and a significant debt burden. Liquidation sales are underway, with markdowns of up to 80% as the company seeks to stabilize financially and explore alternative strategies amidst ongoing retail challenges.

California – The teen accessories chain Claire’s has announced its decision to close nearly 300 stores across the United States, which includes 25 locations throughout California. This announcement came alongside the company’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month, marking its second bankruptcy filing since 2018.

The closures stem from a combination of factors that have adversely affected the retail landscape. CEO Chris Cramer pointed out increased competition, shifting consumer spending habits, and a decrease in brick-and-mortar retail as key contributors to the company’s current situation. With significant debt burdens—including a looming $500 million loan due by December 2023—Claire’s has been forced to make challenging business decisions to stabilize its financial standing.

The affected locations set to close include stores in major areas such as Barstow, Buena Park, Chula Vista, Citrus Heights, City of Commerce, El Centro, Emeryville, Lake Arrowhead, La Mesa, Long Beach, Murrieta, Newport Beach, Novato, Oxnard, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Santa Margarita, Sacramento, San Dimas, San Jose, Tulare, and Tustin. Notably, the closures will also impact Icing, a sister brand under Claire’s, with 56 stores planned for shuttering as well, including locations in Culver City, Lakewood, and Palmdale.

In recent developments, a liquidation sale was conducted at the Emeryville store, offering markdowns of up to 70-80% on merchandise. As part of the larger store closure plan, sales are expected to continue until the permanent shutdown of these locations, anticipated to be completed by September 7, 2025.

Founded in 1961 originally as a wig store, Claire’s transformed into an accessories shop and specialized in ear-piercing services in 1978. Over its operational history, the company claims to have pierced over 100 million customers’ ears. Currently, Claire’s operates more than 2,750 locations across 17 countries, predominantly in North America and Europe.

The company’s decline aligns with a broader trend impacting mall retailers as they face challenges due to the growth of online shopping platforms such as Shein and Temu, compounded by other economic issues. Claire’s had previously emerged from bankruptcy in 2018, a restructuring effort that allowed the company to shed $1.9 billion in debt while simultaneously acquiring $575 million in new capital.

As the company moves forward, discussions are underway to explore strategic alternatives to initiate a potential rebound amidst ongoing store closures. Other retail giants, including Forever 21 and Foot Locker, have also recently filed for bankruptcy, highlighting the ongoing crisis facing traditional mall-centric businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Claire’s closing stores?

Claire’s is closing stores due to increased competition, changing consumer habits, and declining interest in brick-and-mortar retail, compounded by significant debt, including a $500 million loan due by December 2023.

How many Claire’s stores will close in California?

A total of 25 Claire’s stores will close in California as part of the company’s wider plan to shut down 291 locations nationwide.

What is the future of Claire’s after bankruptcy?

Claire’s is currently exploring strategic alternatives to stimulate a rebound while managing ongoing closures. Discussions are in place to identify new strategies for financial stabilization.

Key Features of Clause’s Situation

Feature	Details
Total Store Closures	About 300 nationwide, including 25 in California
Bankruptcy Status	Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time
Debt Situation	$500 million loan due by December 2023
Founded	1961, originally as a wig store, transitioned to accessories in 1978
Global Presence	Over 2,750 locations in 17 countries