A staple at malls across the U.S., Claire’s announced that it has initiated voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings as it seeks “strategic alternatives” to remain open.
There are 2,750 Claire’s stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe, the company says. Claire’s previously filed for bankruptcy in 2018 when it had over 4,000 locations.
The company said it plans to close 18 U.S. locations, with more locations to be added to the list. Those locations include: …
Although Claire’s did not directly cite tariffs, the company did say macroeconomic factors played a role in its decision to seek bankruptcy.
This is so bizarrely different from my experience. I would bet 90% of women in my generation (millennial) who ever spent time in a mall think of Claire’s as the default place to get your ears pierced. And naturally then, to get new earrings or other jewelry.
As a teen, it was a default stop on the mall circuit every weekend; it’s where my sister and I both got our ears pierced when we turned 13, and where I got jewelry for prom and BFF keychains with friends before going off to college. I was far from popular; I was the nerd who sat at the front of the bus and read a book to avoid my bullies, etc. I only even had friends to go to the mall with as a teen because I went to a college preparatory high school where almost everyone else was a nerd, too. But despite my lowly status on the social totem pole, Claire’s was a staple.
I’m a millennial guy and even I know what Claire’s is. Not because I ever went in there or cared about it, but just because (contrary to what the person upthread said) the entrance is bright and open so it’s pretty easy to see into the place and a bunch of racks of cheap jewelry and whatnot are pretty distinctive, as far as merchandise goes. It’s not like one of those stores that are moodily-lit or obscure what’s inside to try to make people curious.
Xennial guy. It’s where we went to get magnetic jewelry to scare our parents into thinking we actually got our ears or noses pierced. They fell for it three times, same damn magnetic stud in different places (first my ear, then my nose, then my brother’s ear). Fourth time (other brother’s ear) they caught on.
Right?! I thought about mentioning the bright lighting and glass walls that make all the products visible. Or the window clings advertising ear piercings.
Anyway, thanks for validating my thoughts… I was very confused by the person I responded to and thought maybe the gender divide was greater than I thought, lol.
Just took my daughter a couple of weeks ago for some clip-on earrings (we’ll do it right and get her ears pierced at a tattoo parlor if/when she decides she wants them pierced) honestly a part of me hopes they can keep hanging on
Good for you! When I got a second piercing I knew better and went somewhere they used a hollow needle instead of a gun.