MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 StoresMajorsSep 03, 2025
These Are the Nearly 300 Claire’s Stores Set to Close
A new court filing details the locations of the stores that will close, as well as the 830 that will remain open.
In a recent court filing, Claire’s listed the nearly 300 locations that will close following its bankruptcy filing last month.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s has detailed in a new court filing which of its nearly 1,500 stores in North America will be closing and which will remain open.
The jewelry and accessories retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for a second time last month, filing in both the United States and Canada and was looking for a buyer for some or all of its assets.
Claire’s did find a buyer, selling its business operations and intellectual property in North America to an affiliate of Ames Watson, a Maryland-based private equity firm that has invested in WatchBox, Lids, Champion, and Fanatics, among others.
The deal, valued at $140 million, allows the retailer to preserve a portion of its store network.
According to court documents filed when the deal was announced last month, the Ames Watson affiliate will acquire at least 795 of the more than 1,500 Claire’s and Icing stores in North America and could keep as many as 950, more than 60 percent of the entire store network.
The remaining 550 stores are set to close.
Related stories will be right here …
The jewelry and accessories retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for a second time last month, filing in both the United States and Canada and was looking for a buyer for some or all of its assets.
Claire’s did find a buyer, selling its business operations and intellectual property in North America to an affiliate of Ames Watson, a Maryland-based private equity firm that has invested in WatchBox, Lids, Champion, and Fanatics, among others.
The deal, valued at $140 million, allows the retailer to preserve a portion of its store network.
According to court documents filed when the deal was announced last month, the Ames Watson affiliate will acquire at least 795 of the more than 1,500 Claire’s and Icing stores in North America and could keep as many as 950, more than 60 percent of the entire store network.
The remaining 550 stores are set to close.
An Aug. 25 court filing shows that, as of press time, 830 Claire’s/Icing stores will remain open, and 291 are slated to close.
Exhibit A of the court filing lists the exact locations of the 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing brand stores that will close, while Exhibit B lists the 785 Claire’s and 45 Icing locations that will remain open for now.
Based in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Claire’s operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries across North America and Europe, as well as Icing fashion jewelry and accessories stores, as per its website.
More on Majors
The Latest
ColumnistsSep 05, 2025
Peter Smith: A Lasting Lesson From Maurice Tempelsman Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.
CollectionsSep 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jamie Turner’s ‘Victoria’ Necklace The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.
Policies & IssuesSep 05, 2025
Trump Takes Tariffs Case to the Supreme Court Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key IssuesJewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.
WatchesSep 05, 2025
Patrick Mahomes Is the New Hublot Brand AmbassadorThe Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.
Weekly QuizSep 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingSep 04, 2025
Lucara Unveils Unusual 37-Carat Pink DiamondThe Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.
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.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
27 Can’t-Miss Converge Sessions, Events From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.
WatchesSep 04, 2025
Breitling Takes Its NFL Game to the Next Level Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2025
The NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Returns in NovemberNYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingSep 03, 2025
Gemfields Confirms Completion of Fabergé SaleU.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.
TrendsSep 03, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Perfect BirthstoneSapphire’s variety of colors make it the perfect birthstone for September.
FinancialsSep 02, 2025
Lab-Grown Diamonds, Lower-Priced Fashion Jewelry Drive Signet Jewelers’ Q2 SalesThe retailer has raised its guidance after seeing total sales increase 3 percent in the second quarter, beating expectations.
MajorsSep 02, 2025
Harry Winston Opens Its Largest Flagship in JapanThe three-floor space also features the jeweler’s largest VIP salon in Japan and offers an exclusive diamond pendant.
CollectionsSep 02, 2025
Stephanie Gottlieb Debuts Silver Designs in ‘All Hours’ CollabThe collection is a collaboration between Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry and Oak and Luna, focusing on understated essentials.
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink DiamondThe highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff ImpactCEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and CoachingSponsored by Clientbook
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales SlumpPresident Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry BuyerFormer Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis StudentsThe jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.
EditorsAug 27, 2025
Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Is a Fairy Tale for Vintage Diamond CutsThe singer’s new bling, reportedly a natural old mine-cut diamond, is no paper ring.
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem MineDubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income WorriesPlans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.
