Nostalgic accessory retailer to close hundreds of US stores, including 3 in KY
A popular chain for ear piercings, jewelry and accessories is set to close three Kentucky stores, according to a recent court filing.
In an Aug. 25 bankruptcy filing, Claire’s, a teen accessory-focused retailer, announced it would close more than 290 stores, among them several Icing locations, which the company also operates.
Claire’s stores in Somerset, London and one in Louisville are on the closing list, while the Lexington location is among those on the “non-closing stores” list.
Here are the addresses of the Kentucky Claire’s stores set to close:
- 4150 South Highway 27 in Somerset in Somerset Mall
- 1710 West Highway 192, Suite 6A in London in London Marketplace
- 4053 Summit Plaza Drive in Louisville in The Paddock Shops
All three of the locations were still taking piercing appointments as of Thursday.
Both chains sell jewelry and pierce ears, but the Icing stores are marketed toward older teens and young women, while Claire’s is designed for younger girls.
Claire’s Holdings LLC plans to close 235 Claire’s stores in the U.S., along with 56 Icing stores, USA Today reports. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time Aug. 6, with the first filing in 2018.
Claire’s officials said in an Aug. 6 news release the shift toward online shopping contributed to the company’s financial struggles.
“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 release. “We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives.”
In an email, the company would not provide a closure date for the Kentucky Claire’s stores on the list.
Claire’s is based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., and the company reports it operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries and 190 Icing stores in North America.
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