By Sara Beth Williams–
A jewelry and accessory store at Sunrise Mall, known for providing ear piercings, has closed amid the company’s announcement of bankruptcy.
Teen jewelry store and accessories retailer Claire’s announced that the company plans to close to 300 store locations across the country last Wednesday, including its location in Sunrise Mall. The company announced it was filing for bankruptcy in early August.
Kevin Cadinha, owner of Perfumes Luxe which is located directly adjacent, said the store began the process of closing at least one week ago, and by Friday, most of their merchandise was already gone. Cadinha said the closure was “fast” and that the store was aware at least two weeks ago that they would be closing.
Staff on Friday were seen packing up the last of their merchandise.
The company, which sells an assortment of jewelry, socks, slippers, beauty, and hair accessories, said in a press release that the move is “to maximize the value of its business.”
This is the second time in seven years that Claire’s has filed for bankruptcy, according to Newsweek, with the last filing reported in 2018. Multiple other retailers have also announced bankruptcy over the last year, including JOANN, Macy’s, and Party City, among others.
25 stores in California were listed among 291 total, including some Icing locations, according to a list released by USA Today. Claire’s locations listed include the store at Sunrise Mall in Citrus Heights, the location at the Rancho Cordova Town Center, and the location at Natomas Marketplace. 820 stores were listed as not closing in court filings, according to Newsweek.
The abrupt closure comes following the City of Citrus Heights’ announcement this that they are seeking a pre-condemnation appraisal of the portion of mall property owned by Namdar Realty Group. A pre-condemnation appraisal does not indicate condemnation of the mall but, in real estate terms, means to seek an independent appraisal at fair market value.
The efforts of seeking an independent appraisal come on the heels of closed negotiations recently took place between Namdar Realty and the City of Citrus Heights on Aug. 13. Since then, there has been no reportable action, according to the city.
The city also filed a lawsuit against Namdar Realty on July 15 seeking over half a million dollars in overdue code, health, and safety violations.
Claire’s was founded in 1961 and is based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
