Claire’s has been a staple of mall culture for decades as the go-to spot for ear piercings, sparkly hair clips, and teen-friendly accessories. But, now, the beloved chain is in financial trouble once again. 

Claire’s has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years, citing everything from declining mall traffic to heavy debt. The announcement also means some Claire’s store closures are on the way, although most locations will remain open for now.

The Hoffman Estates, Illinois–based company, which also owns Icing stores, has struggled to keep up in a retail world dominated by online giants like Shein and Temu. 

With shoppers moving away from traditional malls and toward faster, cheaper fashion options, Claire’s accessories sales have taken a hit. Rising interest rates, tariffs on goods from China, and inflation have also added more pressure.

Claire’s Files Bankruptcy After Sales Slump

While Claire’s bankruptcy doesn’t mean the brand is disappearing entirely, it does mean a shake-up is coming. 

As part of its restructuring plan, the company is shutting down 18 underperforming locations across the U.S., including Claire’s and Icing stores. These closures are expected to wrap up no later than September 7.

The company says the move is part of a broader effort to deal with mounting debt and adapt to shifting shopping habits. 

With fewer people visiting malls, brands that once thrived in busy shopping centers are now facing hard choices. This is just the latest in a growing wave of mall store closures affecting retailers nationwide.

The Full List of Claire’s Store Closures

If you’re a fan of Claire’s accessories and want to snag a few deals, you may want to see if your local store is affected. Clearance sales are happening now in all the locations that are closing.

Here’s the current list of store closures:

• Eastdale Mall, Montgomery, Alabama

• Newpark Mall, Newark, California

• Ford City Mall, Chicago, Illinois

• Market Street, Lynnfield, Massachusetts

• Bay City Town Center, Bay City, Michigan

• Northtown Mall, Blaine, Minnesota

• Livingston Mall, Livingston, New Jersey

• Uniontown Mall, Uniontown, Pennsylvania

• Pinnacle at Turkey Creek, Knoxville, Tennessee

• Shops at Highland Village, Highland Village, Texas

• Junction Commons, Park City, Utah

• Provo Town Center, Provo, Utah

• Woodinville Plaza, Woodinville, Washington

Icing stores closing:

• Galleria at Tyler, Riverside, California

• Woodland Mall, Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Greece Ridge, Rochester, New York

• Mall of Abilene, Abilene, Texas

• University Orem, Orem, Utah

What Happens Next for Claire’s?

Even though Claire’s is closing stores, most of the brand’s 1,300-plus U.S. locations are staying open for now. The company says it’s exploring its options, including potential partnerships or a sale. 

While its presence in malls may shrink, Claire’s still has a loyal customer base and a recognizable name in the accessories market.

If you’ve ever gotten your ears pierced at a Claire’s counter or stocked up on scrunchies before the first day of school, this news probably feels bittersweet. 

The chain has been a part of our lives for years and, even with fewer physical stores, it’s likely to keep a place in the retail world, just in a new form.

A Glittering Goodbye

The latest Claire’s bankruptcy is a reminder of how quickly the retail landscape is changing. As more shoppers turn to online retailers, mall-based brands are under increasing pressure to adapt or scale back. 

For now, you can still find Claire’s accessories in most locations but, if your local store is on the closure list, you may want to stop by before September 7.

While we wait and see if Claire’s bounces back or becomes another chapter in mall nostalgia remains to be seen, for now, there’s still a little sparkle left in those glass display cases.