Claire’s owner Ames Watson has leased a 248,000-square-foot logistics and supply chain support facility in Elgin, Ill. that will support the tween accessories retailer’s resurgence. Located approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the facility is designed for large-scale distribution operations.
Ames Watson brought Claire’s out of bankruptcy by in August 2025 for $140 million, acquiring approximately 1,000 stores, according to the Wall Street Journal. Approximately 300 Claire’s stores had been closed during the bankruptcy process. Since the acquisition, the new owner has been seeking to modernize the retailer’s logistics network, improve speed-to-store delivery and enhance omnichannel fulfillment capabilities.
Claire’s, like many other mall-based retailers, faced economic challenges that led to its August 2025 bankruptcy declaration in both the U.S. and Canada. (The retailer had first declared bankruptcy in 2018.) A September 2025 WSJ article outlined the Claire’s turnaround plans of Ames Watson Co-founders Lawrence Berger and Tom Ripley, including the addition of more exclusive products, some at higher prices. Ames Watson is looking to replicate its success in turning around Lids by investing in the Claire’s in-person experience.
The facility lease was co-brokered by RCS Real Estate Advisors and JLL. “Retail transformations begin and end at the storefront, extending deep into the supply chain,” said Spence Mehl, Partner at RCS Real Estate Advisors in a statement. “This lease positions Claire’s with the distribution infrastructure required to support its next phase of growth, and we’re proud to help guide the real estate strategy behind that progress.”
In February 2026 Claire’s named a new Chief Brand Officer, Athleta executive Michelle Goad, as its first C-suite hire following the bankruptcy. In March 2026, Claire’s named Jillian Cueff, a retail veteran with experience at Walmart and Macy’s, as its new Chief Merchandising Officer.
