Watch these fluffy cashiers take part in the action on a transaction-by-transaction basis
These are the cutest cashiers you’ve ever seen, with three rescued bunnies managing the register at a store in Eureca Springs, Arkansas.
As private equity firm Ames Watson officially announced the $140 million acquisition of the mall chain, 950 Clare locations will remain open, according to the company involved in the transaction.
RCS real estate advisors have finalized lease agreements with store owners, operating more than 800 locations and could reach contracts at up to 950 stores, the company said in a September 19 news release provided to USA Today.
The news rose from the $104 million valuation reported in August as Ames Watson officially announced Claire’s $140 million acquisition. Claire filed for bankruptcy that month, filling up her second bankruptcy in seven years.
Ames Watson said on September 19 that he will lead Claire with a “small but strong footprint,” further confirming that some stores are permanently closed. A court application on August 25 indicated that 291 stores would be closed as part of their business deal. The closing shop has 235 Claire locations and 56 icing stores, the latter categorized as the “adult” version of Claire.
Specifically, it was not immediately clear which locations would remain open.
Claire’s closure sparked protests
The announcement of bankruptcy leaves Claire fans with a light memory of the young shop.
Creator Angelina PJ recalled in her August TikTok video that she bought a friendship necklace at elementary school for each of her friend’s birthdays.
“This was the first place I had my earrings and I would always drag my mom here after elementary school and buy some pretty jewelry and hair accessories,” she said.
“Clair is one of the rare brands that define the stages of life. She’s old enough to buy your first lip gloss, but still young enough to believe that she can change your world,” says Lawrence Berger, partner and co-founder of Ames Watson.
Seeing the advancement of the popular mall chain, Ames Watson said it appears to fold into “elevated earring products” and “refreshed” products, marketing and store concepts.
“My passion for this brand is overwhelming and I’m keen to include the community as I move forward,” Burger said.
Gretacross is a national trend reporter for USA Today. Story ideas? Please email her gcross@usatoday.com.
