Mass Layoffs Hit Illinois Company Amid Second Bankruptcy

A challenging business climate has resulted in a mass layoff reported at a company in Illinois just days after they filed bankruptcy for a second time.

USA Today reported that on August 6, 2025, a company that was born in Illinois had filed chapter 11 bankruptcy for the 2nd time in seven years. Now, the Illinois Work Net Center site shows there is a new WARN notice submitted to the state warning of a mass layoff affecting 46 workers at Claire's - Hoffman Estates corporate headquarters located at 2400 W Central Road in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The layoffs are reported to be effective immediately and retroactive to August 4, 2025.

The details provided to the Illinois Work Net Center site show "mass layoff" as the reason for these cuts.

It was just yesterday that we reported that Claire's had decided to close 13 more stores including one located in the Ford City Mall in Chicago. The statement provided in a press release by Claire's seemed hopeful that the bankruptcy reorganization would provide a stronger path forward for remaining employees. Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire's said "I'd like to express my gratitude for our employees, who have continued to work diligently in a constantly evolving consumer landscape to deliver amazing products and experiences for our customers. We remain committed to serving our customers and partnering with our vendors and landlords in other regions during this time."

The word is that remaining Claire's locations that have not been closed will continue to operate without interruptions as the company navigates a successful way forward.