Claire’s Store Closures: Will Montana Locations Be Affected?

Claire’s, the go-to spot for sparkly earrings and your niece’s first ear piercing, just filed for bankruptcy… again. This is the second time in less than a decade the 64-year-old accessories retailer has turned to Chapter 11 protection, and it’s mostly due to rising debt, online competition, and tariff issues from importing products overseas.

So, what does this mean for us here in Montana?

Good news, for now, it looks like our Claire’s locations here in Montana are safe. The stores in Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, Kalispell, Helena, and Great Falls weren’t on the initial list of 18 closures announced in the bankruptcy filing. Most of those affected are in bigger city malls across states like California, Illinois, Utah, and Texas.

But don’t breathe too easy yet.
Claire’s says they’re keeping most stores open while they “explore all strategic alternatives.” Translation: more closures could be coming as they figure out their next move.

The brand, which once had over 4,500 stores worldwide, is now down to about 2,700. With trends shifting and more shoppers heading online, it’s clear the mall-based model is getting harder to sustain—even for legacy brands like Claire’s.

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So while your local Claire’s might still be open for business and piercings, its long-term fate isn’t exactly glitter and rainbows. Did you shop at Claire’s growing up? Do you still swing by when you’re in the mall?

Let us know what you think, will you miss it if it's gone? Let us know HERE!