Sept. 2, 2025

With a new owner coming for some of Claire’s Holdings’ assets, the Claire’s and Icing jewelry stores in The Empire Mall have survived another round of closing announcements.

The two stores, which began liquidation sales in early August after the company filed for bankruptcy, are on a list of 830 stores that aren’t closing.

Claire’s Holdings has announced that it will sell its North American business operations to an affiliate of private equity firm Ames Watson. In a bankruptcy court filing last week, Claire’s Holdings identified 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing locations in the U.S. that will close.

As part of the purchase agreement, Claire’s has paused liquidation sales “at a significant number of stores,” according to a news release. That includes Claire’s and Icing in The Empire Mall.

The two stores had been operating under an “all sales final” and “no returns” policy, but that has ended, employees said today. Merchandise purchased in August can’t be returned.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Claire’s and support the next chapter for this iconic brand,” said 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, working closely with the Claire’s team to ensure a seamless transition and creating a renewed path to growth based on our deep experience working with consumer brands.”