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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In ProgramThe jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on GiveawayThe jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The MetThe exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ CollectionMarquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to FloridaThe inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth LocationThe family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace ColorThe reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSponsored by American Gem Trade Association
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales FallIn the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction RecordThe 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.
SourcingAug 13, 2026
2,488-Carat Diamond, Largest Found in Botswana, Has a New Owner Lucara Diamond Corp., which recovered the “Motswedi” diamond from the Karowe mine, sold the stone for an undisclosed amount.
CollectionsAug 13, 2026
John Hardy Infuses ‘Icon,’ ‘Heishi’ Collections with ColorThe expanded collections now feature hand-cut gemstones like topaz, tanzanite, chrysoprase, chalcedony, smoky quartz, and fire opal.
