Claire’s, a fashion accessories chain based in Illinois, has filed for bankruptcy for a second time in seven years and says more than 1,100 stores could close soon, including nearly 40 in Michigan.
The chain is looking for a buyer for about 800 remaining locations. The Hoffman Estates, Illinois, chain has continued to struggle since a 2018 bankruptcy filing, USA TODAY said.
The company already was set to close two locations in Michigan, with clearance sales concluding no later than Sep. 7, according to court filings from the company.
“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders,” Claire’s CEO Chris Cramer said in the news release. “We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives.”
The mall-based chain joins other companies facing bankruptcies and store closings such as At Home, Big Lots, Joann Fabrics, Kohl’s, JCPenney, Macy’s and Party City.
The company will have to shut down all of its locations if it cannot complete a sale quickly, impacting 38 stores in Michigan. Here’s what to know:
Which Claire’s and Icing stores are closing in Michigan?
A total of 18 Claire’s and Icing stores are closing across the U.S., including two Michigan locations:
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Bay City Town Center, Bay City
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Woodland Mall, Grand Rapids
Additional stores also could close, the company said in the filing.
Michigan stories at risk of closing
In court filings, Claire’s CEO, Chris Cramer, disclosed that the company has received multiple letters of intent to purchase its assets and has recently solicited bids for its business.
A list of stores obtained by USA TODAY shows 1,119 stores that could close. The list of stores can be searched below:
How many Claire’s locations are there in Michigan?
Claire’s currently has 38 stores throughout Michigan, according to the company’s website, including:
Contributing: Mike Snider, Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Claire’s files for bankruptcy. Chain could close nearly 40 Michigan stores
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