USA Today Warns Minnesota Could Lose All Claire’s Stores

It was announced last week that Claire's would be closing one location in Minnesota in the coming weeks, but now it appears that all locations in the state could be closing soon.

The iconic mall retailer has been struggling for several years. Last week, they declared bankruptcy for the second time in just seven years. If something dramatic does not happen soon, over 1,000 stores could be forced to close.

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Claire’s Future in Minnesota Looks Grim as Bankruptcy Looms

USA Today is reporting that unless Claire's finds a way to turn things around, the brand may be finished, potentially shuttering over 1,100 stores very soon. Claire's currently operates just over 1,300 stores across America, including 20 locations in Minnesota.

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In a filing for their latest bankruptcy on August 6, the retailer identified 1,119 stores that could close soon. In addition, they are looking for a buyer for about 800 remaining locations.

Court filings indicate that the company "has received multiple letters of intent to purchase its assets." If a deal does not happen quickly, Claire's will close all of its locations in the coming weeks or months.

Over 1,100 Stores at Risk - 20 In Minnesota

The brand has struggled to stay relevant in today’s retail landscape. As a mall-based store catering to a younger audience, many customers require an adult to make a purchase. This has made it difficult for the retailer to maintain a meaningful online presence.

Claire's also owns and operates Icing stores, a brand geared toward an older audience. Those will also close if a buyer is not found soon. With Minnesota locations in Duluth, Rochester, and the Twin Cities, including three at the Mall of America, these closures would leave empty storefronts in malls across the state.