Claire’s, the shopping mall chain that sells flashy accessories to teens and tweens, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday amid shrinking margins and pressure from online competitors.

It’s the second bankruptcy filing in seven years for the chain, which was once the go-to destination for ear piercing and cheap jewelry. The Hoffman Estates, Ill.-based company has 15 locations in the Los Angeles area and more than 100 in California .

In a news release Wednesday, the company said its retail locations in North America will remain open during the bankruptcy process. The company operates 2,750 stores in 17 countries as well as 190 locations in North America under its Icing label, according to its website .

“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one,” Claire’s Chi

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