As many as 950 Claire’s stores to remain open as sale closes, firm says

As many as 950 Claire’s locations are set to remain open as private equity firm Ames Watson officially announced its $140 million takeover of the mall chain, according to a firm involved in the transaction.

RCS Real Estate Advisors finalized lease agreements with store landlords to keep more than 800 locations in operation, adding it could reach agreements on up to 950 stores, the firm said in a Sept. 19 news release provided to USA TODAY.

The news comes as Ames Watson officially announced its $140 million acquisition of Claire’s, an increase from the $104 million valuation reported in August. Claire’s filed for bankruptcy that month, its second bankruptcy filling in seven years.

Ames Watson said Sept. 19 it would be leading Claire’s with a “smaller but stronger footprint,” further confirming that some stores are shuttering for good. An Aug. 25 court filing showed that 291 stores would close as a part of the transaction with the firm. The closing shops include 235 Claire’s locations and 56 Icing stores, the latter of which is classified as a “grown-up” version of Claire’s.

It was not immediately clear which locations, specifically, would remain open.

The bankruptcy announcement left some Claire’s fans to wistfully remember the store of their youth.

Creator Angelina PJ recalled buying friendship necklaces in primary school for each of her friends’ birthdays in an August Tik Tok video.

“This is where I had my first ever piercing and always, after primary school, I used to drag my mum here to buy me some cute jewelry or hair accessories,” she said.

“Claire’s is one of those rare brands that defines a stage of life – old enough to buy your first lip gloss, but still young enough to believe it could change your world,” said Lawrence Berger, Ames Watson partner and co-founder, said in the release.

As it eyes a path forward for the popular mall chain, Ames Watson said it looks to fold in “elevated piercing offerings,” as well as “refreshed” products, marketing, and store concepts.

“The passion for this brand has been overwhelming, and we’re eager to include the community as we move forward,” Berger said.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Claire’s set to keep over 800 stores open, others to close, firm says