C
laire's, the iconic '90s tween accessories retailer, is shutting down hundreds of stores across the US as part of its bankruptcy proceedings. The mall staple was a mainstay of the decade and early 2000s, known for its glittery accessories, cheap piercings, and memorable catchphrases like "Whatever!" and "As if!"

    The closure of nearly 300 Claire's locations marks the second time the chain has filed for Chapter 11 in less than a decade. This move is part of the larger decline of American malls, which have struggled with online shopping and supply chain disruptions.

    A recent court filing revealed that 291 stores, including almost 60 Icing locations, will be closed. The news sparked nostalgia among millennials who grew up shopping at Claire's. Some fans took to social media to share their memories of the store, while others expressed sadness over its demise.

    The North American brand was saved from a planned 700-store closure by a last-minute buyer, private equity firm Ames Watson. The company plans to acquire Claire's for $140 million and retain its massive retail footprint in the US, which totals approximately 1,326 stores.

    Eighteen New York State stores are among those slated for closure, including one in Manhattan and three in Brooklyn. While some fans mourn the loss of Claire's, others see it as a sign of waning interest among adolescents in traditional retail stores. Today's tweens seem to prefer online shopping or splurging at Sephora instead.