Popular Retail Store Is Closing Its Livingston Mall Location: Report

LIVINGSTON, NJ — A national jewelry and accessory retailer known for performing ear piercing services will be closing its store at a struggling mall in Livingston, reports say.

Claire's Holdings LLC announced that it was commencing voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings last week.

“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one,” CEO Chris Cramer said.

“Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire's and its stakeholders,” Cramer said.

According to a corporate news release, “Claire's retail stores in North America will remain open and continue to serve customers while the company continues to explore all strategic alternatives.”

“Claire's intends to uphold its commitments to customers, employees and partners, including continued payment of employee wages and benefits,” the company added.

However, a report from The Hill said the Claire’s store at the Livingston Mall in New Jersey is among 18 locations across the U.S. that will be closing due to the bankruptcy.

The Claire’s closing would be the latest blow to the embattled Livingston Mall, which has been designated as an “area in need of redevelopment.”

Many local residents have found themselves pining for the glory days of the mall, which is located at 112 Eisenhower Parkway. In recent years, the mall has lost several popular stores and shoppers, with one visitor comparing the experience to entering the set of a post-apocalyptic movie.

Recently, town officials announced that they are seeking input from residents as they try to create a “community-led vision” of what the property will look like for the next 50 years.

• See Related: Ownership Boondoggle Is Making Progress Tricky At Livingston Mall
• See Related: Tale Of 2 Malls: Frustration In Livingston, New Stores In Short Hills
• See Related: Livingston Keeps Hammering Out New Vision For Mall Property

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