If you’ve ever strolled through a mall in the 1990s or early 2000s, chances are you’ve been lured by the glittering displays and racks of colorful accessories at Claire’s.

For many of us, it was the go-to spot for ear piercings, last-minute birthday gifts, and a little retail therapy with the grandkids.

But now, this beloved retailer is making headlines for a very different reason: a massive wave of store closures and a once-in-a-lifetime liquidation sale, with discounts soaring up to 80% off.

This is your reminder to take advantage of the markdowns before the final days run out.


As Claire’s prepares to shutter hundreds of locations across the country, shoppers are being greeted by bold, colorful signs promising jaw-dropping deals.

The discounts are tiered to reward bulk buyers: buy four or fewer items and you’ll get 60% off, five or more items unlock 70% off, and if you really want to stock up (or play Santa for the grandkids), buying ten or more items slashes a whopping 80% off your total.

One last chance to snag those iconic hair clips, sparkly earrings, and quirky gifts before the doors close for good at your local store.


The retail landscape has been shifting for years, but the aftershocks of the pandemic have hit brick-and-mortar stores especially hard.

Claire’s, which once boasted more than 1,000 locations at its peak, filed for bankruptcy for the second time in August 2025.

The company had been considering a full liquidation—meaning every store would close—until a last-minute rescue by investment firm Ames Watson, which acquired Claire’s for $141 million.

Thanks to this acquisition, hundreds of stores have been saved from immediate closure. However, the company still plans to close around 300 locations, including 56 Icing stores (Claire’s sister brand) and 235 Claire’s stores.

States like New York, California, and Illinois are seeing the highest number of closures, but the impact is being felt nationwide.


For many of us, Claire’s is more than just a store—it’s a time capsule of our youth and a rite of passage for generations. Here’s a quick stroll down memory lane:

• 1961: Founded as Fashion Tress Industries by Rowland Schaefer.
• 1973: Acquired and merged with Claire’s Boutiques, becoming Claire’s Stores.
• Mid-1990s: Over 1,000 retail outlets nationwide.
• 1999: Acquired Afterthoughts and launched the Icing brand.
• 2007: Went private.
• 2018: First bankruptcy filing, but quickly rebounded.
• 2021: Enjoyed a surge in sales as shoppers returned to malls.
• 2025: Second bankruptcy, followed by the Ames Watson acquisition.

Also read: 90's mall favorite files for bankruptcy again—see which stores are closing and how to score 75% off

Claire’s isn’t alone in its struggles. The post-pandemic era has been brutal for many iconic brands. JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts, Hooters, Quiksilver, Billabong, Volcom, Forever 21, and even Macy’s have all announced closures, bankruptcies, or major restructuring.

The reasons are many: the rise of online shopping, changing consumer habits, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 on in-person retail.

For those of us who remember the heyday of bustling malls and the thrill of in-person shopping, these changes can feel like the end of an era.

But they also open the door to new opportunities—both for shoppers looking for deals and for companies willing to reinvent themselves.


Also read: Well-known apparel brand to exit US storefronts and transition to online-only model

Ames Watson, the new owner, has big plans to breathe new life into the brand. Drawing on their success with Lids (which they turned into a billion-dollar business), they’re focusing on exclusivity, customization, and cultural relevance.

The goal? To keep Claire’s relevant for a new generation while honoring its legacy as a hub for self-expression and affordable fashion.

According to Lawrence Berger, co-founder of Ames Watson, “Claire’s has built a powerful emotional connection with generations of consumers through its focus on self-expression, creativity, and accessible fashion. We are committed to investing in its future by preserving a significant retail footprint across North America.”


Also read: JCPenney announces more store closures with major discounts for shoppers

If you’re feeling nostalgic—or just love a good bargain—now’s the time to act. Here are a few tips to maximize your savings:

1. Shop Early: The best items will go fast, especially at these prices.
2. Buy in Bulk: Remember, the more you buy, the bigger the discount.
3. Think Ahead: Stock up on gifts for birthdays, holidays, or even donate to local schools or charities.
4. Check Multiple Locations: If you’re traveling or have family in other states, see if their local Claire’s is closing too.
5. Bring the Grandkids: Make it a fun outing and let them pick out a few treasures to remember the experience.

Read next:

• America’s fastest-growing grocer is opening 35 new stores this fall—is one coming near you?
• Target is opening new stores this October—is your area on the list?

Did you or your kids get your ears pierced at Claire’s? Do you have a favorite memory or a special find from the store? How do you feel about the changing face of retail in America?