Claire’s is closing several stores in NY: See the list
Mall staple Claire’s to close numerous stores, files for bankruptcy
Claire’s is seeking “strategic alternatives” through Chapter 11 bankruptcy and is planning to close 18 U.S. stores as it navigates economic pressures.
Several Claire’s stores are closing across New York after the mall jewelry chain known for ear piercings and teen fashion accessories filed for bankruptcy for the second time in seven years earlier this month.
An Aug. 25 court filing revealed over 290 Claire’s stores across the U.S. — including almost 60 of its sister brand Icing’s stores — would shut their doors. This also comes after the Illinois-based company announced the closure of one New York Icing location at The Mall at Greece Ridge in Greece.
Here’s which New York locations are closing.
Why Claire’s filed for bankruptcy (again)
On Aug. 20, Claire’s Holdings LLC announced it had sold its North American business to private equity firm Ames Watson for $104 million after announcing its bankruptcy filing on Aug. 6, citing increased competition from fast-fashion giants like Shein and Temu, as well as inflation, rising interest rates, and tariffs on Chinese goods as key factors, according to USA TODAY.
Claire’s last filed for bankruptcy in March 2018 and has struggled since emerging from that restructuring. This time around, CEO Chris Cramer cited declining foot traffic and shifting shopping habits as key issues:
“Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail… necessitate this course of action,” Cramer said in a news release.
Court filings show the company deferred debt interest payments earlier this year to conserve cash, raising concerns about its ability to pay a $475 million loan due in 2026. Business credit experts also noted growing delays in vendor payments, a sign of cash flow trouble.
Which New York Claire’s stores are closing?
There are currently 50 Claire’s stores in New York, according the company’s website, with the most — five — located in Brooklyn.
Of the 235 U.S. Claire’s locations and 56 Icing locations closing, New York will see 18 Claire’s and one Icing store shut their doors, in addition to the previously announced closure of The Mall at Greece Ridge’s Icing store.
Here’s which ones are set to close in New York.
Claire’s
- South Port Shopping Center: 999 Montauk Highway, Suite 19 in Shirley
- Broadway: 1385 Broadway in New York City
- 86th Street: 476 86th St. in Brooklyn
- Bay Terrace Shopping Center: 211-43 26th Ave. in Bayside
- Junction Boulevard: 37-60 Junction Blvd. in Queens
- Broadway Commons: 350 Broadway Mall, #452 in Hicksville
- South Shore Mall: 1701 Sunrise Highway in Bay Shore
- Main Street at Exton: 3649 Erie Blvd. E, #38 in DeWitt
- Quaker Crossing: 3469 Amelia Dr. in Orchard Park
- Outlet Center Riverhead: 1770 West Main St., #1308 in Riverhead
- Gateway Plaza: 499-21 Sunrise Highway in Patchogue
- Georgetown Shopping Center: 2181 Ralph Drive, #2143 in Brooklyn
- Crescent Land Shopping Center: 3519A Hempstead Turnpike, #12E in Levittown
- Southside Mall: 5006 State Highway 23 in Oneonta
- Lake Success Shopping Center: 1470 Union Turnpike in New Hyde Park
- Village of Prasada: 1688 Westchester Ave. in the Bronx
- Gateway Center: 494 Gateway Drive in Brooklyn
Icing
- Eastview Mall: 614 Eastview Mall in Victor
When will the stores close?
The Mall at Greece Ridge Icing location is expected to close by Sept. 7, but the closure timeline for the other New York stores is still a bit unclear.
According to USA TODAY, dates of expected store closings were not disclosed, but they are expected to happen on a rolling basis. Store closing sales could continue at the locations set to close, while closing sales at some other locations were discontinued, according to the filing.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
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