Overview

• An affiliate of Ames Watson would acquire Claire’s brand and a large portion of its North American stores, with up to 950 locations eligible and at least 795 expected to remain open.
• Claire’s has paused going‑out‑of‑business sales at stores that could transfer to the buyer, while liquidation continues at locations excluded from the deal.
• Court filings describe noncash terms that include the assumption of certain liabilities to vendors and landlords, continued employment for store staff, and a $36 million seller note or credit facility.
• Reported pricing differs across outlets, with court documents citing $104 million in cash subject to adjustments plus a $36 million seller note, while some reports did not disclose or framed a higher combined figure.
• The agreement follows Claire’s second Chapter 11 filing earlier in August, when it disclosed about $690 million in debt, and it remains subject to approval by U.S. and Canadian bankruptcy courts.