Claire’s is kicking the bucket with the announcement of their store’s closure. Claire’s has been a part of many little girls’ lives with its pretty, fun, and stylish products. The sudden shutdown has left the public confused, as it was loved by many.
Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) senior Sanya Gidwani expresses, “Not being able to see other young girls get excited to buy cat headbands or a first piercing will definitely be a sad thought because Claire’s meant so much to me.”
Claire’s has lost customers due to an increase in competition across the United States, as well as the rise of online fast-fashion retailers such as Shein and Temu. Rising tariffs have also contributed to Claire’s downfall, forcing the store to close its doors.
In the past few years, there have been multiple times when Claire’s has filed for bankruptcy, unable to repay its debts. Due to the new tariff costs, the company is struggling to pay its nearly $500 million loan.
For many, Claire’s was more than just a store; it was a step into ‘girlhood.’ “Claire’s was a monumental place in my childhood,” states sophomore Jazlyn Ramirez. “I always loved going and looking at the jewelry with my family, especially my mom. Honestly, I am surprised and a little disappointed because my [younger] cousins won’t get to have the same experience [at Claire’s] as I did.”
With headbands, plushies, matching BFF accessories, and first-time ear piercings, many young girls built memories through Claire’s. With 290 stores being shut down, fond memories are left behind as shoppers continue to grow up.
Sophomore Mia Campbell exclaims, “Claire’s was where I got my first piercings, and I feel like a lot of girls can relate to that. That’s why it’s so upsetting that it’s closing down. [I feel like] it’s almost impossible to walk into Claire’s and not automatically be in a good mood. It’s such a fun girly store.”
While there are new popular stores such as Sephora and Ulta, a wave of nostalgia hits shoppers while walking into Claire’s. Claire’s may be shutting down, but it will always be in the hearts of PPCHS students.
