Portland, OR — Popular accessories retailer Claire’s Holdings is preparing to shut down nine stores in Oregon following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and a $104 million sale to private equity firm Ames Watson. The closures are part of a larger restructuring that will see 235 Claire’s stores and 56 Icing stores shutter across the United States.
Bankruptcy and Sale Announcement
On August 20, Claire’s announced it had reached an agreement to sell to Ames Watson, a firm with investments in consumer and retail brands. Just days later, on August 25, a court filing revealed the scale of store closures nationwide.
The Register-Guard reported that Oregon would see nine store closures, including one Icing location.
“The sale commencement date was set on July 25 and will conclude no later than Sept. 7,” the filing stated.
Which Claire’s Stores Are Closing in Oregon?
According to the court filing, the following Claire’s and Icing locations in Oregon will close:
- Gresham: Claire’s at Gresham Station Shopping Center, 1254 NW Civic Drive
- Salem: Claire’s at Salem Center Mall, 401 Center Street NE
- Albany: Claire’s at Heritage Mall, 1915 S E 14th Ave. #D407
- Lincoln City: Claire’s at Lincoln City Outlets, 1500 SE E. Devils Lake Road #404
- Tigard: Claire’s at Washington Square Mall, 9612 SW Washington Square Road
- Tualatin: Claire’s at Nyberg Woods Shopping Center, 7069 SW Nyberg St. S-4 St.
- Portland: Claire’s at Cascade Station, 9945 NE Cascades Pkwy
- Roseburg: Claire’s at Garden Valley Shopping Center, 780 NW Garden Valley Blvd.
- Medford: Icing at Rogue Valley Mall, 1600 N Riverside
Impact on Shoppers and Malls
Claire’s has long been a staple for tweens, teens, and young women, offering affordable jewelry, fashion accessories, and its well-known ear piercing services. Its presence in shopping malls has been part of many customers’ childhood and teen years.
However, the company has struggled with shifting consumer habits and the broader decline of traditional malls. Analysts suggest that the closures could leave noticeable gaps in local shopping centers, especially in smaller cities like Roseburg and Albany.
“Claire’s is more than just a store—it’s a rite of passage for a lot of young people,” said one shopper outside the Salem Center Mall. “It’s sad to see it go.”
When Will Oregon Stores Close?
As of now, Claire’s has not announced an exact closure timeline for the Oregon stores. The court filing only confirms that sales and shutdowns must wrap up by September 7.
Mall tenants and shoppers are awaiting further announcements from both Claire’s corporate offices and individual property managers.
What Comes Next for Claire’s?
While Ames Watson has not revealed long-term plans for Claire’s, retail experts say the brand could still thrive online and in selective brick-and-mortar locations. Downsizing may allow the company to focus on more profitable stores while streamlining its nationwide presence.
Shoppers are being urged to check local store announcements for closing sales, which are expected to begin soon.
What are your thoughts on Claire’s closing these Oregon locations? Share your views in the comments below.
