MajorsSep 22, 2025
Jewelry Manufacturer Vibhor Acquires AlorMajorsSep 23, 2025
Ames Watson Completes $140M Acquisition of Claire’s
The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.
Maryland-based private equity firm Ames Watson has finalized its purchase of Claire’s, the chain of mall-based accessories stores the caters to kids, tweens, and teens. Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August and initially warned it would have to close all of its stores in North America. The deal with Ames Watson will preserve hundreds of Claire’s stores, and thousands of jobs.
Columbia, Md.—Private equity firm Ames Watson has completed its acquisition of Claire’s.
The mall staple, which filed for bankruptcy in August, entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Ames Watson to sell its business operations and intellectual property in North America for $140 million.
The deal allowed Claire’s to preserve a significant portion of its network of 1,500 stores.
As per the agreement, Ames Watson will acquire at least 795 Claire’s/Icing stores and could keep as many as 950.
The remaining 550 North American stores will close.
In an Aug. 25 court filing, the retailer listed a total of 830 Claire’s/Icing stores that will remain open and 291 that are slated to close.
Related stories will be right here …
The mall staple, which filed for bankruptcy in August, entered into an agreement with an affiliate of Ames Watson to sell its business operations and intellectual property in North America for $140 million.
The deal allowed Claire’s to preserve a significant portion of its network of 1,500 stores.
As per the agreement, Ames Watson will acquire at least 795 Claire’s/Icing stores and could keep as many as 950.
The remaining 550 North American stores will close.
In an Aug. 25 court filing, the retailer listed a total of 830 Claire’s/Icing stores that will remain open and 291 that are slated to close.
“Claire’s is one of those rare brands that defines a stage of life—old enough to buy your first lip gloss, but still young enough to believe it could change your world,” said Lawrence Berger, partner and co-founder at Ames Watson.
“The passion for this brand has been overwhelming, and we’re eager to include the community as we move forward.”
The company said it will lead Claire’s with a “smaller but stronger” footprint and will apply its expertise in reviving struggling retailers.
Ames Watson acquired Lids, the hat store, in 2019 and said it helped grow the athletic headwear company into a billion-dollar business.
The company has also invested in WatchBox, Champion, and Fanatics.
To revive Claire’s, Ames Watson said it will focus on exclusivity, customization, and cultural relevance, referring to Claire’s as a “nostalgic rite of passage.”
Ames Watson wants to create an experience in Claire’s that can’t be replicated online.
The new Claire’s will feature “elevated” piercing offerings, new merchandise, new marketing, and new store concepts.
“Every turnaround we’ve done begins with people,” said Tom Ripley, partner and co-founder at Ames Watson.
“Claire’s has an incredibly passionate field team—many with 20 years or more in these stores—and their loyalty will be the foundation of this next chapter.”
Ames Watson said it is committed to preserving Claire’s heritage while positioning the brand for growth.
Claire’s has pierced many ears throughout its decades in business, including the ear of one of its lawyers, Joshua Sussberg of Kirkland and Ellis.
During a bankruptcy hearing in August, Sussberg promised that if he could find a buyer for Claire’s, he would get his ear pierced, according to a People report.
It would be his second piercing from Claire’s following the one he received in 1995 at the Claire’s store in the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton, Florida, when he was in high school.
On Sept. 9, when the agreement to sell Claire’s to Ames Watson was approved, the attorney made good on his promise.
Claire’s employee Tiffany Rivera, who has been with the chain for more than 10 years, pierced Sussberg’s ear right there in the courtroom.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Majors
The Latest
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
