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.

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.
The Latest

The company is providing the opportunity for an FIT student to work alongside master diamond cutter Willie Lopez in its workshop.

He is remembered for his successful entrepreneurship, generosity, and dedication to his family.

Welcome warm summer days with red hot rubies perfectly chosen as July’s birthstone.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Co-founders Afzal Imram and Lin Ruiyin brought their son’s story of a cosmic egg, toadstool, and railroad to life in their new collection.


The best time to prepare for the holiday season is right now, according to columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

This year’s winner is Morgan Keefe, who is currently studying at GIA to be a gemologist.

The countdown is on for the JCK Las Vegas Show and JA is pulling out all the stops.

“The Jewelry Book” comes out this September.

The company is focused on modernizing the custom jewelry buying experience with e-commerce tools like product visualization and 3D styling.

Following its recent acquisition, the storied brand has updated its leadership team and regional managers.

AGS also named the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.

The 20-karat yellow gold and diamond wrap ring is modeled after the Monstera plants in the garden of the brand’s Miami villa.

The creator of the WJA Chicago chapter is remembered as a champion for women in the jewelry industry and a loving grandmother.

The decline was consistent across age groups and almost all income groups, with tariffs and inflation still top of mind.

The “Playlist: Electric Dreams” collection brings lyrics from the musician’s song, “Little Wing,” to life through fine jewelry.

The event is set for May 16-19 in Detroit, Michigan.

The Vault’s Katherine Jetter is accusing the retailer of using info she shared for a potential partnership to move into Nantucket.

Agents seized 2,193 pieces, a mix of counterfeit Cartier “Love” and “Juste Un Clou” bracelets, and Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” design.

The designer brought her children’s book, “The Big Splash Circus,” to life through a collection of playful fine jewelry characters.

The trade association has chosen the recipients of the funding initiative it formed to foster the growth and sustainability of the industry.

The organization has also announced this year’s slate of judges.

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco shares 20 additional pieces that stood out to her at the Couture show.

Lori Tucker started at Williams Jewelers when she was 18 years old.

The “Marvel | Citizen Zenshin” watch is crafted in Super Titanium and has subtle nods to all four “Fantastic Four” superheroes on the dial.

The “XO Tacori” collection was designed to blend luxury and accessible pricing.

Pritesh Patel, the lab’s chief operating officer, will take over as president and CEO of GIA.