MajorsSep 24, 2021
Brilliant Earth Is Now a Public Company MajorsOct 04, 2021
Claire’s Plans to Go Public
After emerging from bankruptcy, the mall staple has filed for an IPO.
Jewelry and accessories chain Claire’s filed for an initial public offering Wednesday.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s Stores Inc may soon go public after filing for an initial public offering Wednesday, just three years after emerging from bankruptcy.
The kid-friendly chain, best known for its ear piercing services, sells costume and fashion jewelry, accessories, toys, and more.
The retailer recently launched a subscription service, introducing its quarterly “Cdrop” boxes as it looks to appeal to millennial, Gen Z, and even younger customers.
Claire’s operates its flagship brand as well as Icing, which caters more toward young women.
According to the company’s S-1 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, there were 1,390 company-operated Claire’s stores in North America and 887 in Europe as of July 31, alongside 324 franchised stores, mainly in the Middle East and South Africa . Icing stores number 191.
Related stories will be right here …
The kid-friendly chain, best known for its ear piercing services, sells costume and fashion jewelry, accessories, toys, and more.
The retailer recently launched a subscription service, introducing its quarterly “Cdrop” boxes as it looks to appeal to millennial, Gen Z, and even younger customers.
Claire’s operates its flagship brand as well as Icing, which caters more toward young women.
According to the company’s S-1 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, there were 1,390 company-operated Claire’s stores in North America and 887 in Europe as of July 31, alongside 324 franchised stores, mainly in the Middle East and South Africa . Icing stores number 191.
The mall staple filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2018, struggling under a mountain of debt following a private equity takeover.
Elliott Management and Monarch Alternative Capital took the reins after the company emerged from bankruptcy in October 2018 and will maintain control post-IPO, the filing states.
Post-bankruptcy, the company is still sitting on close to $1 billion in debt, including $496 million in long-term debt and more than $429 million in derivative liabilities.
However, during the first half of 2021, the company doubled its sales year-over-year to $629 million and swung to a profit on its operating costs after being in the red for the first half of 2020, as per its filing.
The retailer plans to invest more than $150 million in business improvements by the end of fiscal 2021, including expanding its store count, building a management team, bolstering its e-commerce capabilities, and improving its ear piercing services.
Claire’s may soon join a long list of retailers that have gone public in recent months, including Brilliant Earth and Warby Parker, as well as Mattress Firm and Guitar Center, which recently filed IPOs.
If the accessories chain succeeds, it will list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CLRS. "
More on Majors
The Latest
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
CollectionsApr 17, 2025
John Hardy, Athena Calderone Partner on Art Deco Decor-Inspired CollectionInterior designer Athena Calderone looked to decor from the 1920s and 1930s when crafting her first fine jewelry collection.
FinancialsApr 17, 2025
Movado Group to Increase Prices to Offset Tariffs ImpactDuring a call about its full-year results, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed how the company is approaching the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Lab-GrownApr 17, 2025
NDC Launches Its Diamond Learning CenterThe free program provides educational content for jewelry salespeople and enthusiasts to learn or refresh their diamond knowledge.
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2025
Jewelers of America Requests Tariffs Testimonials from MembersThe feedback will be used to prepare other jewelers for the challenges ahead, the organization said.
