Roger Utting Photography/istockphoto
Malls have been dying for a long time, and another mall staple just announced that it's closing locations. Nostalgic tween accessory store Claire's has filed for bankruptcy, leaving numerous empty storefronts across the country.
Here's what we know, including which Claire's locations will be closing and when.
Claire’s filed for bankruptcy on August 6, 2025 — and it’s actually the second time the chain has filed for bankruptcy protection in the last seven years. Since the first bankruptcy, the company, which also owns Icing stores, has continued to struggle as people shop more online.
“Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail” along with debt obligations and economic factors were all cited as reasons for the filing in a press release.
Uncertainty over tariffs has also affected the company’s ability to pay back a $475 million loan due next year, according to USA Today.
The company is hoping to maximize the value of its business during the bankruptcy process, presumably in hopes that it will attract buyers who want to keep the business going. There are no immediate plans to shut down the company, but it may eventually happen if Claire’s doesn’t stabilize its business.
In court filings, Claire’s announced that 18 of its roughly 1,300 of its Claire’s and Icing locations will close. We don’t have an exact date for when they’ll each be closing, but we do know that clearance sales at these locations will wrap up by September 7 at the latest. That means that if you live near any of the closing stores, head there soon to see what kind of going-out-of-business sales it has.
According to court filings, these are the 13 Claire’s locations in 12 states that will be closing by September 7, 2025.
According to court filings, these are the 5 Icing locations that will be closing by September 7, 2025.
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