California, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Claire’s, the popular teen accessories brand, is shutting down almost 300 stores across the U.S., including 25 in California. This announcement follows the company’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, which marks its second since 2018, as it grapples with intense competition and changing shopping habits. The closures encompass locations in various California cities and are part of a broader trend affecting traditional mall retailers burdened by debt and declining foot traffic. Liquidation sales have already begun, with stores expected to close by September 2025.
California – Claire’s, a well-known teen accessories chain, has announced it will close nearly 300 stores across the United States, including 25 locations in California. This decision comes on the heels of the company filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this month, marking its second bankruptcy filing since 2018.
The closures are a result of increased competition, shifting consumer spending habits, and the broader decline in brick-and-mortar retail. Claire’s has struggled under significant debt, which includes a $500 million loan due by December 2023. The store closures will include a total of 291 locations nationwide, with specific stores identified in cities such as Barstow, Buena Park, Chula Vista, Lakewood, Long Beach, and others.
Along with the Claire’s locations, 56 Icing stores, a sister retail brand, will also close, impacting areas including Culver City and Palmdale. A liquidation sale has already commenced at the Emeryville location, offering discounts of up to 70-80% on merchandise. Sales will continue at most stores until their anticipated shutdown, expected to be completed by September 7, 2025.
Claire’s was established in 1961 as a wig store and transitioned into accessories and ear-piercing services in 1978. To date, the company claims to have pierced over 100 million customers’ ears and currently operates more than 2,750 locations in 17 countries across North America and Europe.
The brand’s decline reflects a broader trend affecting mall retailers, many of whom are suffering from the rise of online shopping platforms like Shein and Temu, alongside other economic challenges. Claire’s had previously restructured in 2018, shedding $1.9 billion of debt and obtaining $575 million in new capital. Despite the closures, discussions are in progress to explore strategic alternatives aimed at recovery.
Other mall-centric retailers, including Forever 21 and Foot Locker, have recently filed for bankruptcy as well, highlighting a growing trend of decline among traditional retail outlets located within malls.
Locations Set to Close in California
- Barstow
- Buena Park
- Chula Vista
- Citrus Heights
- City of Commerce
- El Centro
- Emeryville
- Lake Arrowhead
- La Mesa
- Long Beach
- Murrieta
- Newport Beach
- Novato
- Oxnard
- Rancho Cordova
- Rancho Santa Margarita
- Sacramento
- San Dimas
- San Jose
- Tulare
- Tustin
Impact on the Retail Landscape
The closures of these stores represent a significant change in the retail landscape for accessories aimed at teens, while also illustrating the ongoing challenges faced by traditional retail. The trend of shrinking mall traffic and changing consumer preferences underscores the urgent need for evolving retail strategies across the industry.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Stores Closing | 291 Nationwide, 25 in California |
| Previous Bankruptcy Filings | Second filing, first in 2018 |
| Debt | $500 million loan due by December 2023 |
| Sales Continues Until | September 7, 2025 |
| Establishment Year | 1961 |
| Locations Worldwide | Over 2,750 in 17 countries |
| Significant Impact on Retail | Part of broader trend affecting mall retailers |
FAQ
Why is Claire’s closing so many stores?
Claire’s is closing stores primarily due to increased competition, changing consumer spending habits, and a decline in brick-and-mortar retail, along with significant debt pressure.
What locations in California will be affected?
The California closures include stores in Barstow, Buena Park, Chula Vista, Citrus Heights, City of Commerce, El Centro, Emeryville, Lake Arrowhead, La Mesa, Long Beach, Murrieta, Newport Beach, Novato, Oxnard, Rancho Cordova, Rancho Santa Margarita, Sacramento, San Dimas, San Jose, Tulare, and Tustin.
What will happen to the remaining stores?
Sales at the remaining stores will continue until their anticipated shutdown, which is expected to be completed by September 7, 2025.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC10 News
- Wikipedia: Claire’s
- USA Today
- Google Search: Claire’s bankruptcy
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Claire’s
- Business Insider
- Google News: Claire’s store closures
- Fast Company
- KING 5 News
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