MajorsJun 26, 2025
Why Rocksbox Is Opening Stores As Signet Jewelers DownsizesMajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report Says
The jewelry store chain has reportedly been struggling with costs related to tariffs as well as tough retail competition.
Claire’s Stores Inc., which operates Claire’s and Icing, is looking for a buyer, according to a Bloomberg report.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s Stores Inc. is searching for a buyer, according to a report by Bloomberg.
The jewelry store chain is considering a sale of all or part of the business as it faces rising import costs from U.S. tariffs and tough competition from retailers like Amazon, said the report.
Claire’s operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries across North America and Europe, as well as 190 Icing stores, as per its website.
While Claire’s caters to customers between the ages of 3 and 18, Icing’s demographic is women between 18 and 35.
It also has more than 300 franchised stores, located mainly in the Middle East and South Africa.
The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018, citing heightened competition and declining mall traffic.
It was also saddled with debt following a 2007 deal with private equity firm Apollo Management, which bought Claire’s at the time for $3.1 billion, taking it private in a leveraged buyout.
The retailer emerged from bankruptcy seven months later with a restructuring plan that aimed to eliminate $1.9 billion in debt and give Claire’s $575 million in new capital from its creditors and owners, which include Elliott Management Corporation and Monarch Alternative Capital.
Related stories will be right here …
The jewelry store chain is considering a sale of all or part of the business as it faces rising import costs from U.S. tariffs and tough competition from retailers like Amazon, said the report.
Claire’s operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries across North America and Europe, as well as 190 Icing stores, as per its website.
While Claire’s caters to customers between the ages of 3 and 18, Icing’s demographic is women between 18 and 35.
It also has more than 300 franchised stores, located mainly in the Middle East and South Africa.
The retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018, citing heightened competition and declining mall traffic.
It was also saddled with debt following a 2007 deal with private equity firm Apollo Management, which bought Claire’s at the time for $3.1 billion, taking it private in a leveraged buyout.
The retailer emerged from bankruptcy seven months later with a restructuring plan that aimed to eliminate $1.9 billion in debt and give Claire’s $575 million in new capital from its creditors and owners, which include Elliott Management Corporation and Monarch Alternative Capital.
In 2021, it explored an IPO but abandoned the idea in 2023 due to what it called unfavorable market conditions.
In recent years, the retailer has worked to expand its retail footprint, partnering with Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walgreens, and Walmart. It also introduced a subscription service.
In 2023, it revamped its image to appeal to a new generation of customers, and later, the company debuted a new campaign aimed at “Gen Zalpha.”
According to information shared with Bloomberg, Claire’s reported $1.3 billion in sales last year, with $720 million of that stemming from its largest market by sales, North America.
Bloomberg also previously reported that Claire’s has a $500 million loan due in December 2026 and has chosen to defer interest payments to conserve cash.
Bankers at investment firm Houlihan Lokey Inc. are leading the search for a buyer, the report said.
Claire’s, Houlihan Lokey, and Elliott Management Corporation declined to comment while Monarch Alternative Capital did not return a request for comment.
More on Majors
The Latest
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
