Embattled National Retailer's Future In Jeopardy At Crystal Mall

WATERFORD, CT — It appears that the Crystal Mall location of Claire's is among those that will close.

A staffer confirmed to Patch recently that the Waterford store, which specializes in piercing and accessories, is holding a closing sale and will shutter its doors later this summer. The last day the store will be open is Aug. 27, according to The Connecticut Scoop.

Some of the store's more prosperous locations plan to remain open.

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.