After months of back-and-forth store closures due to bankruptcy, Claire’s is once again expanding its store footprint.
Claire’s and global lifestyle brand Centric Brands announced on May 18 that they will expand Claire’s to more than 7,000 new “touchpoints” in the U.S. and Canada. The expansion includes selling Claire’s products at other retailers such as Walmart, Kohl’s and CVS, rather than stand-alone stores, according to a news release.
Claire’s, known for ear piercings and products popular among teenagers, will offer cosmetics, jewelry, hair accessories, stationery, bags and novelty items at these retailers.
Centric Brands partners with countless popular brands including Gap, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Marvel, Nickelodeon, and more.
USA TODAY has reached out to Claire’s for more information about the expansion.
Why did Claire’s file for bankruptcy?
Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in August 2025, marking its second bankruptcy in seven years. The chain cited the rise of fast fashion websites such as Shein and Temu as eating into Claire’s sales. Rising interest rates, inflation and tariffs on products from China also had a direct impact.
A month after the replenishment, private equity firm Ames Watson acquired Claire’s for $140 million, allowing the tween merchandise chain to keep its more than 900 stores open.
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
