The iconic ’90s tween accessories retailer Claire’s is closing up shop across the country amid bankruptcy proceedings.
The mall boutique was a mainstay of that decade and the early aughts. Its reputation for claw clips — some of which were printed with “Whatever!” and “As if!” — glittery accessories and cheap piercings is a source of nostalgia for millions of millennials.
Nearly 300 retail locations are set to close, in what fans of the chain have dubbed the death of tween shopping culture.
This marks the second time the chain has filed for Chapter 11 in less than a decade. JHVEPhoto – stock.adobe.com
The closure of nearly 300 Claire’s is yet another domino in the fall of American malls. zhu difeng – stock.adobe.comThe substantial offloading of291 stores — including almost 60 of its sister brand Icing’s stores — was revealed in a recent court filing. An initial filing in early August marked the second time the chain has filed for Chapter 11 protection in less than a decade amid the demise of shipping malls, the rise of online fast fashion outlets like Shein and supply chain disruptions.
The last-minute arrival of a buyer saved the North American brand of the business from the more than 700-store closure it was planning when it first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early August.
Eighteen New York State stores number among the underperforming locations slated for closure, the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported, including one in Manhattan, three in Brooklyn, one in Queens and one in The Bronx.
News of the bankruptcy in August garnered emotional reactions online and lengthy odes by outlets like The Atlantic, whose writer Ellen Cushing dubbed the retailer “a temple to girlhood, a place where everything was frivolous and where tooth-fairy money could make dreams come true.”
Claire’s was a retail mainstay in the 1990s and early 2000s. Getty Images
Some observers have pointed to waning interest among adolescents in stores targeted at their demographic. REUTERS
Claire’s was famous for its cheap piercings, often administered to tween customers by teen employees. Facebook/Claire'sCommenters online mirrored Cushing’s nostalgia.
“My 9 year old daughter cried last week when we learned Claire’s was closing,” one Instagram commenter wrote.
“It was a store that made me feel cool, even if I necessarily wasn’t,” another wrote.
“Sephora could never.”
Others felt less precious about the loss, calling the store “tacky,” and its stock “junk jewelry.”
“Claire’s prices are too high and the quality is too low,” on commenter wrote.
Some observers have pointed to waning interest among adolescents in stores targeted at their demographic. It appears today’s 10-year-olds are more interested shopping online or splashing out at Sephoras.
Private equity firm Ames Watson has swooped in to save the retailer’s North American arm. fotoember – stock.adobe.com
Now is the time to stock up on friendship bracelets before 18 New York locations close. Getty ImagesThe company was saved from liquidation by a recent offer from the private equity firm Ames Watson. The firm is set to acquire the chain for $140 million, pending court approval. Ames Watson has stated that it plans to retain Claire’s massive retail footprint in the US, which currently totals approximately 1,326 stores.
The impending closures are expected to occur rolling basis, so stock up on friendship bracelets, toe rings and butterfly clips while you still can.
