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.
More on Majors
The Latest
Policies & IssuesNov 04, 2025
Supreme Court to Hear Tariffs Case WednesdayAhead of the hearing, two industry organizations co-signed an amicus brief urging the court to declare Trump’s tariffs unlawful.
ColumnistsNov 04, 2025
Peter Smith: What Do Birds Have to Do With the Price of Gold? Smith cautions retailers against expending too much energy on things they can’t control, like the rising price of gold.
TrendsNov 04, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Fall Colors for November BirthdaysCitrine and topaz are birthstones fit for fall as the leaves change color and the holiday season approaches.
Brought to you by
Jewelers of America Aligns New Mission to Create Meaningful Impact for MembersFrom educational programs, advocacy, and recent MJSA affiliation, Jewelers of America drives progress that elevates businesses of all sizes.
IndependentsNov 04, 2025
Weston Jewelers Heads to Fort LauderdaleThe family-owned jeweler will open its fourth store in Florida in late 2027.
Weekly QuizOct 30, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeNov 03, 2025
Men Dressed as Construction Workers Burglarize Jeweler’s Home The NYPD is looking for three men who stole a safe and jewelry valued at $3.2 million from the home of a jeweler in Jamaica Hills, Queens.
CollectionsNov 03, 2025
Muse’s ‘Have a Heart’ Collab Returns, Now With DDGThe “Have a Heart x Diamonds Do Good” collection is championed by model and humanitarian Flaviana Matata and will benefit her foundation.
AuctionsNov 03, 2025
Kashmir Sapphire Ring Tops Christie's Online AuctionThe ring, set with a nearly 17-carat Kashmir cabochon sapphire, sold for $1 million.
TrendsOct 31, 2025
Piece of the Week: A Spinner Fit for ‘Frankenstein’This “Mother Father” spinner necklace from Heavenly Vices Fine Jewelry draws inspiration from Victorian Era jewelry.
CrimeOct 31, 2025
5 More Arrested in Louvre Heist, Jewelry Still Missing The suspects were rounded up in Paris and its suburbs on Wednesday night, but none of the stolen jewels were recovered with them.
Recorded WebinarsOct 31, 2025
Watch: How to Master Google Reviews for Your BusinessExperts share top tips on how to encourage positive reviews and handle negative feedback.
Supplier BulletinOct 30, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
CrimeOct 30, 2025
29-Year-Old Man Charged in Multiple Seattle-Area Smash and Grabs The suspect faces charges in the August robbery of Menashe & Sons Jewelers and is accused of committing smash and grabs at two pawn shops.
Lab-GrownOct 30, 2025
Alison Lou’s New Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds and ResinThe “Lumière Fine” collection was born from designer Alison Chemla’s interest in the transformative power of light.
TrendsOct 30, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: A Haunted HalloweenShow off your spooky side with these 12 festive jewels.
Events & AwardsOct 30, 2025
Jewelers Mutual to Host Jewelry Panel at Frazier History MuseumThe “Brilliant & Beyond” panel coincides with the “Love & Marriage” exhibition curated by Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Kentucky.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Events & AwardsOct 29, 2025
Couture Partners With Time to WatchesThe company, which organizes a watch show in Geneva every spring, will bring a selection of watch brands to the 2026 Couture show in Vegas.
TrendsOct 29, 2025
Beth Bernstein Releases Vintage Jewelry Guide“The Modern Guide to Vintage Jewellery” follows the evolution of jewelry design from the ‘30s to the ‘80s with buying and styling advice.
EditorsOct 29, 2025
Why Creepy, Crawly Bugs Inspire Beautiful JewelryFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow explores the symbolism behind spiders, beetles, and other eerie insects.
Events & AwardsOct 28, 2025
Meet the 2026 Gem Award NomineesNotable jewelry designers, members of the press, and retailers are up for an award at next year’s gala.
Recorded WebinarsOct 28, 2025
Watch: The State of the Jewelry Industry Leaders from Jewelers of America and National Jeweler discuss the gold price, tariffs, and more in this one-hour webinar.
CollectionsOct 28, 2025
Eriness Reflects on Life in ‘One of One’ CollectionAfter experiencing motherhood, growth, and loss, founder and designer Erin Sachse has created 10 irreplaceable jewels.
AuctionsOct 27, 2025
Napoleon Left This Brooch Behind, And Now It’s Up For AuctionIt is part of Sotheby’s “Royal & Noble Jewels” sale along with an ornate hair ornament and an old mine-cut light pink diamond ring.
CrimeOct 27, 2025
Arrests Made in Louvre Jewel Heist One of the individuals was apprehended at the airport as he was trying to flee the country.
MajorsOct 27, 2025
Target to Cut 1,800 Corporate JobsThe retailer, which has faced struggling sales in recent quarters, is looking to streamline its operations.
