It’s Official: This Iconic Mall Retailer Is Closing Minnesota Location

For the second time in seven years, the popular mall-based retailer and ear-piercing provider, Claire’s, has declared bankruptcy. This decision will force the company to close several locations across the United States, including one here in Minnesota.

Claire's has faced significant challenges in adapting to the current retail landscape. Many of their customers are children who rely on their parents to do the shopping, a task much easier to accomplish in a mall than online. This shift in consumer behavior has put Claire's in a difficult position.

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The Impact on Minnesota Claire's Locations

On August 6th, the company filed for bankruptcy again and announced plans to close 18 stores. "This decision is difficult, but a necessary one," said CEO Chris Cramer. Claire's currently has 20 locations in Minnesota, including three in the Mall of America alone. However, due to the bankruptcy filing, Minnesota will be down one location within weeks.

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According to USA Today, the Claire's at Northtown Mall in Blaine will have a clearance sale and close its doors forever no later than September 7th. This Minnesota location will join other Midwest stores in Chicago and Bay City, Michigan, on the closure list. Utah will lose two stores, with the remaining closures scattered throughout the U.S.

In addition to the Claire's closings, the company will also close five of its Icing stores. This brand caters to an older audience, with a demographic of young women between 18 and 35, while Claire's is geared towards children and teenagers between the ages of 3 and 18.

All other Minnesota locations, including those in Duluth, Rochester, and the Twin Cities, are safe for now as the company works to resolve its financial issues or find a buyer.