Claire’s Bankrupt Again With Illinois Store on Closure List

It's not getting easier to be a brick and mortar retailer as a chain that has already declared bankruptcy once has just declared bankruptcy again and, as a result, will be closing another Illinois location.

Claire's has been a mall staple for decades after its creation in Hoffman Estates, Illinois way back in 1961.

Unfortunately, times have been tough for Claire's as USA Today just reported that the chain filed bankruptcy for the 2nd time in 7 years on August 6, 2025. They state that the parent company plans to keep many stores open, but there are several that will close imminently and that includes one Illinois location in this mall.

Claire's in the Ford City Mall in Chicago is one of 13 locations that are on this new closure list. According to a press release shared by Claire's, the decision to close this and a dozen other stores was not an easy one:

"This decision is difficult, but a necessary one. Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire's and its stakeholders," said Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire's. "We remain in active discussions with potential strategic and financial partners and are committed to completing our review of strategic alternatives."

Let's hope this reorganization Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding will lead Claire's into a successful future. This Illinois company has quite a history that would be a shame to see go by the wayside.