Deals
Claire’s Becomes Latest Retailer to Go Bankrupt
- Ear piercing couldn’t immunize it against falling mall traffic
- Group led by Elliott to help fund restructuring plan
Claire's bankruptcy
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Claire’s Stores Inc., known for tween jewelry and ear piercing, has become the latest victim of the retail apocalypse.
The company filed for bankruptcy Monday and said it reached an agreement with creditors including its private-equity backer, Apollo Global Management LLC, to restructure around $1.9 billion in debt. Its plan to survive rests on its reputation for trendy merchandise and a unique service that it says can’t be replicated by shopping online: ear piercing.