MajorsJul 01, 2025
Claire’s Is Looking for a Buyer, Report SaysMajorsAug 06, 2025
Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again
The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.
Mall staple Claire’s, an accessories and piercing chain that caters mainly to kids, tweens, and teens, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Editor's Note: This story was updated post-publication to include information about store closures.
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company announced Wednesday morning.
It is the second time in seven years the troubled mall chain, which is grappling with declining mall traffic, increased competition in the piercing space, and the nuances of appealing to a new generation, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
The jewelry and accessories retailer, also known for its piercing services, has filed in the United States and said it plans to do the same in Canada.
“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends, and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders,” Claire’s CEO Chris Cramer.
Bloomberg previously reported that Claire’s has a $500 million loan due in December 2026 and has chosen to defer interest payments to conserve cash.
While Claire's said in a press statement that its North American stores would remain open, its bankruptcy filing shows it is planning for 18 closures in the U.S.
See the store closure list here.
Based in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the chain operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries across North America and Europe, as well as 190 Icing fashion jewelry and accessories stores, as per its website.
While Claire’s caters to customers between ages 3 and 18, Icing’s demographic is women between 18 and 35.
Related stories will be right here …
Hoffman Estates, Ill.—Claire’s has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the company announced Wednesday morning.
It is the second time in seven years the troubled mall chain, which is grappling with declining mall traffic, increased competition in the piercing space, and the nuances of appealing to a new generation, has filed for bankruptcy protection.
The jewelry and accessories retailer, also known for its piercing services, has filed in the United States and said it plans to do the same in Canada.
“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends, and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders,” Claire’s CEO Chris Cramer.
Bloomberg previously reported that Claire’s has a $500 million loan due in December 2026 and has chosen to defer interest payments to conserve cash.
While Claire's said in a press statement that its North American stores would remain open, its bankruptcy filing shows it is planning for 18 closures in the U.S.
See the store closure list here.
Based in the Chicago suburb of Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the chain operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries across North America and Europe, as well as 190 Icing fashion jewelry and accessories stores, as per its website.
While Claire’s caters to customers between ages 3 and 18, Icing’s demographic is women between 18 and 35.
The move will allow Claire’s to monetize its assets, the company said, while still reviewing strategic alternatives.
The company confirmed previous reports that it was looking for a buyer for all or part of its business, and said discussions with potential strategic partners will continue.
Claire’s said it will continue to honor its commitments to its customers, partners, and employees, including continuing to pay employee wages and benefits.
In the U.S., the company said it will seek approval to use cash collateral for the liquidity it needs to support its operations.
The retailer last filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2018, citing heightened competition and declining mall traffic.
In 2021, it explored an IPO but abandoned the idea in 2023 due to what it described as unfavorable market conditions.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
AuctionsNov 12, 2026
24-Carat ‘Bulgari Pink’ Diamond Sells for $14.8MUnseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Longtime Jewelry Marketer Arthur Klein Dies at 89Klein, who had his own marketing agency and worked for Gabriel & Co. and Trans American Diamond, is remembered as a kind man.
IndependentsNov 03, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Toasts To 50 Years With Diamond Bracelet GiveawayTo enter the giveaway, locals can purchase a featured beverage from one of eight participating restaurants in Houston and Austin, Texas.
