MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysMajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again
The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
Mall staple Claire’s, an accessories and piercing chain that caters mainly to kids, tweens, and teens, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Editor's Note: This story was updated post-publication to include information about store closures.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company announced Wednesday morning.
It is the second time in seven years the troubled mall chain, which is grappling with declining mall traffic, increased competition in the piercing space, and the nuances of appealing to a new generation, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
The jewelry and accessories retailer, also known for its piercing services, has filed in the United States and said it plans to do the same in Canada.
“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,” Claire’s CEO Chris Cramer.
Bloomberg previously reported that Claire’s has a $500 million loan due in December 2026 and has chosen to defer interest payments to conserve cash.
While Claire's said in a press statement that its North American stores would remain open, its bankruptcy filing shows it is planning for 18 closures in the U.S.
See the store closure list here.
Based in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the chain operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries across North America and Europe, as well as 190 Icing fashion jewelry and accessories stores, as per its website.
While Claire’s caters to customers between ages 3 and 18, Icing’s demographic is women between 18 and 35.
Related stories will be right here …
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company announced Wednesday morning.
It is the second time in seven years the troubled mall chain, which is grappling with declining mall traffic, increased competition in the piercing space, and the nuances of appealing to a new generation, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
The jewelry and accessories retailer, also known for its piercing services, has filed in the United States and said it plans to do the same in Canada.
“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,” Claire’s CEO Chris Cramer.
Bloomberg previously reported that Claire’s has a $500 million loan due in December 2026 and has chosen to defer interest payments to conserve cash.
While Claire's said in a press statement that its North American stores would remain open, its bankruptcy filing shows it is planning for 18 closures in the U.S.
See the store closure list here.
Based in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the chain operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries across North America and Europe, as well as 190 Icing fashion jewelry and accessories stores, as per its website.
While Claire’s caters to customers between ages 3 and 18, Icing’s demographic is women between 18 and 35.
The move will allow Claire’s to monetize its assets, the company said, while still reviewing strategic alternatives.
The company confirmed previous reports that it was looking for a buyer for all or part of its business, and said discussions with potential strategic partners will continue.
Claire’s said it will continue to honor its commitments to its customers, partners, and employees, including continuing to pay employee wages and benefits.
In the U.S., the company said it will seek approval to use cash collateral for the liquidity it needs to support its operations.
The retailer last filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018, citing heightened competition and declining mall traffic.
In 2021, it explored an IPO but abandoned the idea in 2023 due to what it described as unfavorable market conditions.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
WatchesAug 07, 2025
Bulova’s New Collection Honors Tony BennettThe first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
Lab-GrownAug 07, 2025
Chatham Releases Catalog for Loose Lab-Grown GemstonesThe catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.
TechnologyAug 07, 2025
Rembrandt Charms Debuts New Website, Bird CharmsThe company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
Policies & IssuesAug 06, 2025
Tariff on India to Rise to 50%, Trump Says An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsAug 06, 2025
Smith & Son Jewelers to Close 107-Year-Old Location Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.
CollectionsAug 06, 2025
Zahn-Z Swims With Whales in ‘Beluga’ CollectionDesigner Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
TrendsAug 06, 2025
Paola De Luca to Release Trendbook 2027+She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.
CrimeAug 05, 2025
Report: Suspect Arrested in 1992 Murder of Miami JewelerOmar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.
CollectionsAug 05, 2025
Mignon Faget Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Hurricane KatrinaThe New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.
ColumnistsAug 05, 2025
The PR Adviser: Affiliate Marketing Is the Cost of CoverageLilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.
Events & AwardsAug 05, 2025
JA Announces Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship WinnersThe organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.
Events & AwardsAug 04, 2025
Gem Awards, David Yurman Introduce $50K Grant for Emerging DesignersThe winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.
TrendsAug 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: August’s Bright BaublesAs summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.
CrimeAug 04, 2025
‘The Watch King’ Assaulted, Robbed in QueensMoshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.
MajorsAug 01, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Names Mike Alexander as President The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
SourcingAug 01, 2025
Gemfields’ Auction Revenue Drops 50% in H1The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.
CollectionsAug 01, 2025
Piece of the Week: Hernsdorf’s ‘Tears of Aphrodite’ NecklaceThe necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2025
Tariff on India Will Be 25%, Trump Says The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
