Claire’s has announced plans to close more than 200 stores nationwide after recently filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Among the affected Maryland locations are Gaithersburg Square (536 N Frederick Ave) and Wheaton Mall (11160 Viers Mill Road #147). Other Maryland closures include:
Bel Air – Harford Mall, 678C Bel Air Road
Westminster – TownMall of Westminster, 400 N Center St
LaVale – Country Club Mall, Winchester and Vocke Rd
Claire’s confirmed that its Westfield Montgomery Mall location in Bethesda will remain open, and staff were instructed to remove store closing signage earlier in the month.
On August 20, the company announced that Ames Watson, a private holding company, will acquire Claire’s North American business operations as part of its ongoing restructuring. The deal is valued at approximately $140 million, including $104 million in cash, a $36 million seller note, and the assumption of certain liabilities. Under the agreement, Claire’s has paused liquidation at a significant number of stores, including Bethesda, while proceeding with closures at others. The sale remains subject to court approval in both the U.S. and Canada.
Claire’s also operates additional Montgomery County location at the Clarksburg Premium Outlets. A full list of store closure’s can be seen here.
