Claire's Files for Bankruptcy, Announces Store Closures

A staple at malls across the U.S., Claire's has announced that it has initiated voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings as it seeks "strategic alternatives" to remain open.

Claire's previously filed for bankruptcy in 2018 when it had over 4,000 locations. There are currently 2,750 Claire’s stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe.

The company plans to close 18 U.S. locations, with more locations to be added to the list.

• Market Street at Lynnfield Claire’s, Lynnfield, Massachusetts
• Woodinville Plaza Claire’s, Woodinville, Washington
• Galleria at Tyler-ICG Icing, Riverside, California
• Provo Town Center Claire’s, Provo, Utah
• Newpark Mall Claire’s, Newark, California
• Shops at Highland Village Claire’s, Highland Village, Texas
• Mall of Abilene (ICG) Icing, Abilene, Texas
• 8456 Greece Ridge (ICG) Icing, Rochester, New York
• Pinnacle at Turkey Creek Claire’s, Knoxville, Tennessee
• Union Town Mall Claire’s, UnionTown, Pennsylvania
• Ford City Mall Claire’s, Chicago, Illinois
• Northtown Mall Claire’s, Blaine, Minnesota
• Bay City Town Center Claire’s, Bay City, Michigan
• Eastdale Mall Claire’s, Montgomery, Alabama
• Junction Commons Claire’s, Park City, Utah
• University Orem (ICG) Icing, Orem, Utah
• Woodland Mall (ICG) Icing, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Claire's CEO Chris Cramer said in a statement: "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. We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives."

In addition to the locations slated for closing, Claire's said in its filings that hundreds of additional stores could close as it seeks to end leases at many locations.