Claire’s to close nearly 300 stores nationwide

Claire’s, the mall classic known for ear piercings and sparkly accessories, is shutting nearly 300 stores after filing for bankruptcy again. In California, closures include San Jose’s Valley Fair, Emeryville’s Bay Street, Novato’s Vintage Oaks, and more. Most locations will wrap up liquidation sales by September 7 with big markdowns. For generations, Claire’s was where tweens got their first ear piercings or grabbed jewelry for school dances and prom. Now, another big piece of mall culture is fa