Embattled National Retailer Plans To Remain At Milford Mall

MILFORD, CT — It appears that the Connecticut Post Mall location of Claire's will remain open, despite other stores being on their way to closure.

A staffer confirmed to Patch recently that the Milford store, which specializes in piercing and accessories, is staying open for now. A mall representative told Hearst Connecticut Media that the store does not appear to be impacted by a recent buyout of the company and will remain open.

That isn't the case for some of the chain's less prosperous stores, which are holding liquidation sales.

Claire's operates more than 2,750 stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe and 190 Icing stores in North America.

Claire's and its sister brand, Icing, have long been go-to locations for entry-level ear-piercing and teen accessories, but the company is struggling with a big debt accumulation and a shift in consumer habits to online shopping, according to an Aug. 6 bankruptcy filing.

Here's a look at the Connecticut landscape:

Icing

• Manchester — Store closing sales are underway with no definite closing date.

Claire's

• Trumbull — Store closing sales are underway with no definite closing date.
• Danbury — Store is not closing.
• Waterbury — Store closing sales are underway with no definite closing date.
• Waterford — Store closing sales are underway, with an anticipated closing date of late summer.
• Milford — Store is staying open for now.
• Canton — Store is remaining open.
• Farmington/West Hartford — Store is staying open.

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