Claire's, the Illinois-based teen accessories retailer known for its ear piercing services, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States amid a heavy debt burden and shifting consumer preferences. The company, which also operates the Icing brand, plans to close more than a dozen stores in the coming weeks. Court documents indicate that without a buyer, over 1,100 locations could be shuttered. In the UK and Ireland, Claire's is on the verge of collapse and has appointed administrators, putting approximately 2,150 jobs at risk across 278 stores in the UK and 28 in Ireland. The UK business failed to secure a buyer and is preparing for insolvency proceedings. The financial strain on Claire's is attributed to a large debt load of $690 million (£508 million), intensified competition from online retailers, and the impact of the US's 145% tariff on Chinese imports. The company has halted online orders and its website is set to close as part of the administration process. The ongoing difficulties follow Claire's second bankruptcy filing in recent years, highlighting challenges faced by mall-based retailers in adapting to changing market conditions.