Shoppers exit a Claire’s accessories store advertising sales ahead of Black Friday and the Thanksgiving holiday in Miami. The retailer is closing nearly 300 stores nationwide. Associated Press, 2022

To the dismay of teeny boppers everywhere, Claire’s is closing 291 U.S. stores, including 16 in Illinois and several in the suburbs, according to the company’s bankruptcy court filing.

A staple at most suburban malls where young girls often get their ears pierced, Claire’s stores in Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Deer Park, Northbrook and Wheaton are among those targeted for closing.

The Hoffman Estates-based retailer’s parent company, Claire's Holdings LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time earlier this month. The first time was in March 2018.

“This decision is di

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