California, August 31, 2025

News Summary

Claire’s Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing $690 million in debt and planning the closure of 291 stores nationwide, including 23 in California. This marks the company’s second bankruptcy in five years, as it restructures with an agreement from Ames Watson to acquire its North American operations. While some stores will close, Claire’s aims to stabilize its remaining business and retain jobs during this transition, with sales at closing locations expected to end by September 7, 2025.

California: Claire’s Holdings Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Plans Major Store Closures

Claire’s Holdings, the popular jewelry and accessories retailer, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, citing a staggering $690 million in debt. This filing comes as part of a restructuring plan that includes the closure of 291 Claire’s and Icing stores across the nation, with 23 locations slated for closure in California.

The bankruptcy filing took place earlier this month and marks Claire’s second time seeking bankruptcy protection, having previously filed in 2018. As part of the restructuring efforts, Claire’s has entered into an agreement with Ames Watson, a private equity firm, which will acquire its North American business operations. Under this agreement, Ames Watson will continue to operate the remaining 830 stores and will pay $104 million in cash, in addition to a $36 million seller note for the business assets.

Despite the closures, Claire’s has suspended liquidation at many locations. However, some store closures in North America will progress, with all sales at the closing locations expected to conclude by September 7, 2025. To facilitate these changes, Claire’s has initiated a significant sale, offering 50% off at select store closing locations and allowing the use of gift cards and C. Club Rewards until August 29, 2025.

Store Closures in California

Among the 23 locations identified for closure in California are:

• 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

Company Background

Claire’s operates over 2,750 stores in 17 countries, including 190 Icing stores in North America. The company has acknowledged that the recent decision to file for bankruptcy was necessitated by increased competition, shifting consumer spending habits, and a noticeable transition away from traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores. Claire’s aims to preserve jobs and maintain operations for many of its vendors and landlords throughout this turbulent restructuring period.

By identifying over 800 stores that are not set to close immediately, Claire’s is making an effort to stabilize its remaining business and ensure a smoother transition amid these significant changes.

Conclusion

As Claire’s navigates through this bankruptcy process, the focus will be on restructuring its business model and adapting to the evolving retail landscape, while working towards fulfilling its obligations to stakeholders, customers, and employees. The next few months will be crucial as the retailer embarks on this journey to emerge stronger from bankruptcy.

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Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Siskiyou Daily News
• Wikipedia: Bankruptcy
• ABC10 News
• Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
• Los Angeles Times
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Law
• King5 News
• Google News: Claire’s closures
• AL.com
• Google Scholar: Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO

The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego 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 the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.