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
IndependentsSep 29, 2026
Christy Bromberg, Longtime Gift Buyer for Underwood Jewelers, Dies at 68She is remembered for her joie de vivre, upbeat personality, genuine interest in other people, and love of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
Dionne Warwick’s Jewelry Goes Up for AuctionOnline bidding is open now for Julien’s sale of items owned by the “Walk On By” singer, whose final album comes out this fall.
Events & AwardsSep 29, 2026
Matt Stuller to Receive 2027 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementThe founder and executive chairman of Stuller Inc. is being honored for his impact on the jewelry industry at the 25th annual Gem Awards.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
ColumnistsSep 29, 2026
Your Holiday Marketing Has a Bridal Blind SpotDecember is the most popular month to propose, and jewelers need to keep that in mind when planning their holiday marketing.
Weekly QuizSep 25, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 29, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction Wednesday.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
De Beers London Drops Water-Inspired High Jewelry Collection“Vibrations” features several firsts for De Beers’ high jewelry, including the use of chalcedony and diamonds sourced from artisanal miners.
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.
CollectionsSep 28, 2026
Jessica McCormack Turns to Classic Motif for New CollectionThe “Bows” collection features three interpretations of the bow motif designed with Georgian and Victorian influences.
Events & AwardsSep 28, 2026
Guy Borenstein, Troy Underwood Among the Professionals Honored at AGS Conclave 2026The American Gem Society recognized industry members, one Guild, and a law enforcement official for their contributions to jewelry.
FinancialsSep 28, 2026
Instappraise, Jewelers Mutual Look to Simplify Jewelry InsuranceThrough a new system integration, customers can now receive instant personal jewelry insurance quotes at the time of appraisal.
WatchesSep 25, 2026
Smaller Rolex Watches Showing Strength on Secondary Market, Data ShowsFive of the 10 fastest-appreciating Rolex models on Bob’s Watches were Datejust 31 or Lady Datejust watches.
Lab-GrownSep 25, 2026
Brilliant Earth Collabs with Elizabeth Taylor Estate on Jewelry Collection“The Elizabeth Taylor Collection” uses lab-grown diamonds and gemstones in contemporary designs inspired by the icon.
TrendsSep 25, 2026
A Peek at Taylor Swift’s Game-Day DiamondsThe artist wore Dana Rebecca Designs’ marquise diamond-set gold hoops at the Chiefs game last Sunday. Now they’re our Piece of the Week.
CrimeSep 24, 2026
From Conclave: Security Measures Jewelers Should Be TakingJSA and Jewelers Mutual shared advice on spotting suspicious behavior, combatting cell phone jammers, and staying safe at home.
AuctionsSep 24, 2026
8-Carat Blue Diamond Heads to UK Jewelry AuctionThe fancy light blue diamond is estimated to fetch up to $2.6 million at Elmwood’s next week.
TrendsSep 24, 2026
This New Jewelry Book Decodes the Secret Meaning in Victorian Jewelry“Secret Language of Victorian Jewelry” unveils the meaning behind the symbols, motifs, and gemstones used in Victorian-era jewelry.
Lab-GrownSep 24, 2026
Kira Jewels Opens B2B E-Commerce Portal for Lab-Grown Diamond Jewelry KIRAJewels.one gives retailers access to more than 500 SKUs of lab-grown diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
TrendsSep 23, 2026
Holiday Diamond Jewelry Trends: Layered Looks, PersonalizationThis holiday season, look to pieces that will help to fill out customers’ everyday diamond jewelry wardrobe, experts say.
SourcingSep 23, 2026
Organization That Promotes Natural Diamond Rebrands for Third Time The Natural Diamond Council is now The Diamond Collective and has announced a new strategy under CEO Amber Pepper.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
This Milwaukee-Area Jeweler Is Serving the 7CsPaul’s Jewelers sells coffee, chocolate, and cookies from a custom gold-wrapped trailer parked outside the store starting at 7 a.m.
Events & AwardsSep 23, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Exhibition Opening at Arkansas Museum The curation, opening soon at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, honors the jeweler’s heritage through a distinctly American lens.
CollectionsSep 23, 2026
Pucker Up for Pandora’s New Pat McGrath Jewelry CollabThe jewelry giant has partnered with the famed makeup artist to create a colorful new collection of charms and rings.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Texas Jewelers Association to Celebrate 120th AnniversaryThe association will mark the milestone at its convention next month.
IndependentsSep 23, 2026
Sissy’s Log Cabin’s ‘Back to School and Bling’ Event ReturnsThe jeweler donated school supplies to Memphis, Tennessee, students during the event combining basketball and mentorship.
MajorsSep 22, 2026
Foundrae’s Lawsuit Against Pandora Can Continue, Court RulesA federal judge denied Pandora’s motion to dismiss Foundrae’s claim for copyright infringement of its medallions.
