Claire’s filed for bankruptcy Wednesday as the mall staple for tweens drowns in a “cocktail of problems” that include mounting debt, intense competition and higher costs from President Trump’s tariffs.

The retailer, which sells jewelry and ear piercing services, listed its estimated assets and liabilities each between $1 billion and $10 billion as it sought Chapter 11 protection in a Delaware court.

It was the second time Claire’s filed for bankruptcy in seven years.

“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one,” CEO Chris Cramer said in a statement. 3

“Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’

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