NORTH CAROLINA, USA — Claire’s, a popular fashion and jewelry retailer, plans to close more than 290 locations nationwide , including three stores in the Triad and one in Asheboro, according to WNCN.

The closures follow Claire’s recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing , WNCN reported, which indicated the chain might shutter more than 1,100 stores if a buyer did not emerge.

“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one,” CEO Chris Cramer said in a statement . “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’s and its stakeholders.”

As part of the bankruptcy process and sale to a private equity firm, Claire’s

See Full Page